2 more vessels clear Strait of Hormuz; 3 Korean-operated ships remain

Two more vessels operated by South Korean shipping companies that had been waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz have transited the waterway, leaving three Korean-operated ships still in the area.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Saturday that as of 9 a.m., the two vessels had cleared the strait and were proceeding normally on their voyages.

The two ships carried four Korean crew members, all of whom are now en route to overseas destinations.

With the latest transits, three Korean-operated vessels remain inside the strait. A total of 43 Korean crew members are still waiting — 13 aboard Korean-flagged ships and 30 aboard foreign-flagged vessels.

The government withheld specific operational details, including vessel names, routes and positions, citing the safety of the crew and ships.

The ministry said it worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support safe passage by providing real-time monitoring and navigational safety information while the vessels transited.

The ministry said it plans to continue providing transit updates and safety information for the remaining ships to help shipping companies plan their own departure schedules and ensure safe passage. All vessels except one currently undergoing repairs are expected to transit the strait in sequence, in line with consultations with relevant countries and each company's own operational schedule.