Overview
- The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Wednesday that one more South Korean-operated vessel has exited the Strait of Hormuz, leaving only two South Korea-linked ships still in the region.
- The HMM Namu was struck in late May and sustained hull damage near the stern, and it is undergoing repairs in Dubai that HMM expects will allow the ship to depart in mid- to late‑July.
- Seoul has said the damage probably resulted from an Iranian anti-ship missile but has not been able to conclusively assign responsibility, and Iran has denied involvement.
- A total of 35 South Korean sailors remain in the Persian Gulf, including 28 serving on foreign-flagged ships, highlighting ongoing crew welfare and evacuation needs.
- HMM is funding the Namu’s repairs and plans to file an insurance claim, and the ship’s return to transit will affect commercial costs, insurance payouts and how governments handle future security protections for vessels in the choke point.