South Korea’s Oceans Ministry announced Wednesday that the cargo ship Namu, operated by HMM, is expected to leave the Strait of Hormuz no earlier than mid-July, once repairs from a May attack have been completed.
The bulk carrier suffered damage to its hull near the stern during the attack. On May 27, South Korea stated the strike likely involved an Iranian anti-ship missile, and the country called in Iran’s ambassador to deliver the findings of its investigation along with a formal protest.
Iran’s ambassador to South Korea, Saeed Koozechi, rejected any suggestion that Tehran was behind the attack, according to the Yonhap news agency. South Korea later acknowledged it could not definitively determine who carried out the attack or whether it was intentional.
Vice Oceans Minister Nam Jae-heon told reporters at a Wednesday press briefing that two vessels, including the Namu, remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz with a combined 35 crew members on board. He also noted that 21 South Korean-operated ships have safely passed through the strait in the two weeks since the United States and Iran signed a ceasefire agreement.
A ministry official at the briefing confirmed that HMM is bearing the cost of the repairs. A company spokesperson later confirmed to Reuters that HMM is covering the expenses and intends to file a claim with its insurer.
When asked whether South Korea might seek reimbursement from Iran or the United States, Minister Nam said the government may consider reviewing that option at a later time, but offered no further details.
The Strait of Hormuz was shut down by Iran after the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on February 28, a move that sent oil prices surging worldwide and sparked widespread concern about the potential effects on the global economy.
