Two South Korean Vessels Exit Strait of Hormuz, First Since Cease-Fire Agreement

[Anchor]

Following an agreement between the United States and Iran, two South Korean vessels have exited the Strait of Hormuz. While this marks the first time our ships have left the strait since the cease-fire agreement, 22 vessels still remain inside.

Reporter Chae Hee-sun has the story.

[Reporter]

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

Although owned by a South Korean shipping company, the vessels had no South Korean crew members on board, and their destination was identified as a third country, not South Korea.

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

The specific circumstances and background regarding their passage have not been disclosed.

With these two ships having left, 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 feeling anxious, fearing that their routes might be blocked again following Iran's recent declaration of a potential re-closure of the strait.

[Shipping Company Official: We applied for our desired transit dates last week. Everyone is eager to get out as quickly as possible. We are feeling anxious while waiting because we cannot confirm the transit.]

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

[Shipping Company Official: Even with this MOU in place, things keep changing, so it lacks credibility. It seems likely they will impose a 100% transit fee.]

Experts suggest that 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 come forward after 60 days and demand some form of transit fee or service charge.]

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 our vessels and crew as soon as possible.

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