Second South Korean ship clears Strait of Hormuz

A South Korean-operated liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier cleared the Strait of Hormuz on June 11, marking the second such vessel to do so amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The ship, chartered by QatarEnergy and carrying eight South Korean crew members, was en route to Pakistan, its final destination, according to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry confirmed that the passage was coordinated by the foreign-chartered company, not the South Korean government, distinguishing it from the earlier case of the *Universal Winner*, a very large crude carrier operated by HMM, which left the strait after direct negotiations between Seoul and Tehran. The successful transit follows diplomatic efforts by South Korea to ensure the safe passage of its vessels through the critical waterway. Officials emphasized that the government remains engaged with Iran and other regional stakeholders to protect South Korean ships and crew members. As of June 11, 24 South Korean-operated vessels and 139 crew members remained stranded near Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and other nearby areas, following guidance from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The remaining ships are anchored in designated safe zones while risks in the strait escalate. Iran announced shortly before the LNG carrier’s passage that it would fully close the Strait of Hormuz in response to recent U.S. airstrikes, raising concerns for maritime safety. Analysts suggest that the involvement of QatarEnergy and Pakistan—both of which have maintained communication with Iran—may have facilitated the vessel’s transit. Pakistan’s navy and the charterer reportedly engaged in consultations to address safety concerns, potentially easing the passage. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry stated that the safe navigation of its ships remains the top priority, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the remaining 24 vessels. However, observers note that the government may prioritize safety over immediate passage amid heightened risks in the strait. The ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with relevant countries to mitigate potential disruptions to South Korean maritime operations.