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HMM’s very large crude carrier (VLCC) Universal Winner, the first South Korean vessel to exit the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded there following the Middle East conflict, approaches an offshore mooring buoy near Ulsan on the 10th to unload crude oil. / Yonhap News Agency.

Another Korean ship previously stranded in the Strait of Hormuz has successfully passed through, marking the second such transit after HMM’s oil tanker Universal Winner.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that as of 7 a.m. on June 11, a Korean‑operated LNG carrier that had been waiting inside the strait resumed sailing and exited. The ministry stated, “After consultations with the foreign charterer, we determined safe navigation was possible and decided to proceed. The vessel has now passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is sailing normally.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added, “Negotiations for this passage were led by the foreign charterer. We understand the vessel is heading toward a third country as its final destination. Our government has consistently emphasized to Iran the need for swift and safe navigation of all ships, including ours, and we continue to communicate with relevant countries.”

Eight Korean crew members are reported to be on board. For safety reasons, the ministry did not disclose details such as the shipping company or charterer.

This marks Korea’s second successful passage since the Universal Winner exited about 20 days earlier. With this latest transit, the number of Korean vessels still waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz has decreased from 25 to 24, and the number of Korean crew members from 147 to 139.

                                                                                                              Lee Han‑sol