Two South Korean Vessels Pass Through Strait of Hormuz Following 'End-of-Hostilities' Agreement

[Anchor]

For the first time since the end-of-hostilities agreement between the United States and Iran, two South Korean vessels have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. There are now 22 South Korean ships and 135 crew members remaining in the strait.

Reporter Chae Hee-sun has the story.

[Reporter]

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that two South Korean vessels, which had been isolated inside the Strait of Hormuz, have passed through the strait.

While owned by a South Korean shipping company, the vessels did not have any South Korean crew members on board, and their destination was identified as a third country, not South Korea.

This marks the first time a South Korean vessel has exited the strait since the U.S.-Iran agreement, which allows for free passage through the Strait of Hormuz without transit fees for 60 days.

Specific details regarding the circumstances and background of their passage have not been disclosed.

With these two ships having exited, 22 South Korean vessels and 135 South Korean crew members remain inside the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping companies that have completed transit applications with the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization and are awaiting approval are anxious, fearing that their routes might be blocked again following Iran's declaration of a potential re-closure of the strait.

[Shipping Company Official: We applied for our desired transit dates last week. Most of us are eager to get out as quickly as possible, but because we cannot confirm the passage, we are waiting with some anxiety.]

Even if they do manage to exit, there is already concern about what will happen after the 60-day window for free passage expires.

[Shipping Company Official: Even with this MOU, things keep changing, so it lacks credibility. I think they will likely impose 100% of the transit fees.]

Experts also believe the possibility of additional costs cannot be ruled out.

[In Nam-sik, Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy: The fact that the MOU includes a mention of the coastal state's sovereignty is somewhat unsettling. They could eventually demand some form of transit fee or service charge (after the 60 days).]

A high-ranking government official reiterated the stance that "transit fees are highly likely to undermine international trade and the international legal order," adding that "transit fees should not be paid."

The government stated that it will continue to cooperate with relevant countries to ensure the safety and free navigation of South Korean vessels and crew members as soon as possible.

(Reported by Bae Moon-san | Video by Wi Won-yang | Graphics by Lee Jong-jung)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.