Following the declaration of the end of the war between the United States and Iran, the waterways of the Strait of Hormuz, which had been facing the risk of a blockade, have opened, and the return of South Korean ships is beginning in earnest.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on October 24 that four ships operated by South Korean shipping companies, which had been waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz, safely passed through the strait and began normal navigation. This passage was a measure taken under secured safety following the announcement of the cessation of hostilities between the two countries, and the total number of South Korean ships that have exited the strait so far has increased to six.

A total of 26 South Korean sailors are aboard the ships that passed through the strait this time. It was identified that one of these ships is heading to a domestic port, while the remaining three are sailing toward third countries as their destinations. In particular, the passing ships include one oil tanker directly linked to energy supply and demand, raising expectations for the relief of logistics congestion.

As four more South Korean ships left the strait, the total number of South Korean ships currently waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz is tallied at 18. A total of 108 people remain on these ships, including 75 sailors on national ships and 33 sailors on foreign ships, and the government has set securing their safety as the top priority.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is operating a real-time monitoring system for the safe passage of ships while promptly providing information related to strait passage to the shipping companies. However, to protect the personal safety of the sailors and the management secrets of individual shipping companies, a policy was set not to disclose specific ship names or detailed movement routes.

The government expects that the remaining waiting ships, excluding one currently under repair, will begin their passage soon in accordance with consultations with related countries and their own operational plans. It is focusing its diplomatic capabilities so that the remaining ships, including five oil tankers bound for South Korea, can swiftly move to safe zones.

An official from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries emphasized, “The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and diplomatic missions abroad are moving as one team to ensure the free and safe navigation of all our ships as soon as possible.” The official added, “We will continue close consultations with related countries to provide support so that all remaining sailors and ships can return safely.”

Source:Business Korea