Will 24 Korean Ships Trapped in Hormuz for Over 3 Months Finally Get Safe Passage?

US and Iran Sign Armistice MOU, Agree to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
However, Navigation Procedures Remain Unclear and Concerns Over Iranian Naval Mines Persist

With the signing of an armistice memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran, it is expected that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened. As a result, the way has been cleared for the safe return of 24 Korean vessels that have been trapped in the Strait of Hormuz for more than three months. However, since the specific procedures for navigating the strait remain unclear and concerns persist regarding Iranian naval mines, it is anticipated that it will take some time before all Korean vessels can safely exit the strait.

According to the government as of June 15, there are currently 24 Korean ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. The HMM cargo ship Namuho, which was moved to Dubai Port for repairs after being attacked on May 4, is included among these 24 vessels.

The Asia Business Daily Database

Initially, there were 26 Korean ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Following the departure of the HMM oil tanker Universal Winner last month and a recent liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, the number has now decreased to 24. The total number of Korean crew in the strait is 137, which includes 103 crew members on Korean-flagged ships and 34 on foreign-flagged vessels.

Once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, it is expected that approximately 2,000 vessels—including the 24 Korean ships—will be able to make a safe passage. However, uncertainties remain.

First, it is still unclear what specific measures the United States and Iran have agreed upon to ensure the safe navigation of these vessels. If disagreements arise between the two countries regarding these measures, the duration of ships' anchorage within the strait could be prolonged.

Naval mines installed by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz could also delay passage through the waterway. Additionally, there are concerns that the simultaneous departure of approximately 2,000 ships through the narrow strait could lead to bottlenecks, resulting in confusion or delays. In particular, internal instability within Iran is an issue. Although the Iranian government has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, it cannot be ruled out that armed groups, such as militias, may independently engage in threatening activities.

The government is maintaining close communication with the vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Once the strait is reopened and the ships are able to depart, the government will provide guidance to ensure their safe navigation to their respective destinations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.