Korean Media: Most Korean Ships Stranded in Strait of Hormuz Have Moved to Nearby Waters
Most of the 26 South Korean ships previously stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East conflict have moved to nearby waters off the UAE, preparing for swift departure once navigation reopens. The shipping industry faces daily losses of approximately 490 million Korean Won (about 11 million New Taiwan Dollars) due to ongoing uncertainty.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 20:05
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 20:32 (27 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 01:02 (4h 30m after Collected)
Middle East War Key News
Central News Agency (Seoul, April 21st) – Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, 26 South Korean vessels were previously stranded inside the Strait of Hormuz. However, Korean media reports that most of these Korean-flagged vessels have now moved to waters near the United Arab Emirates, positioning themselves for a swift departure once navigation is restored. Nevertheless, the situation still requires careful observation.
According to Yonhap News Agency's report today, there were 120 Korean crew members on board the 26 vessels trapped inside the Strait of Hormuz, most of which have now moved to nearby waters. This move is interpreted as a preparation to rapidly leave the strait once US-Iran ceasefire talks are concluded and navigation reopens.
Shipping industry insiders stated, "Some ships that were observing the situation had attempted to pass through, but due to the unresolved US-Iran relations, it was difficult to act rashly."
As the unstable situation in the Middle East continues, the burden on shipping companies is growing daily, as stranded vessels still incur personnel and marine supply costs. The Korea Shipowners' Association stated that for the 26 vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, shipping companies are losing approximately 490 million Korean Won (about 11 million New Taiwan Dollars) daily, even without accounting for opportunity costs.
The report pointed out that even if Korean vessels have moved near the entrance of the strait in preparation for passage, whether they can actually pass still depends on the outcome of the US-Iran ceasefire talks. Uncertainty will persist until the negotiations conclude. Although a two-week ceasefire agreement was previously reached between the US and Iran, the South Korean ships were unable to pass through the strait due to ongoing confrontations such as the US's "anti-blockade" measures.
Shipping industry insiders commented, "Even after a formal ceasefire, individual shipping companies might observe the situation for some time before deciding whether to resume navigation." (Edited by Hsieh Yi-hsuan) 1150421
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Central News Agency (Seoul, April 21st) – Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, 26 South Korean vessels were previously stranded inside the Strait of Hormuz. However, Korean media reports that most of these Korean-flagged vessels have now moved to waters near the United Arab Emirates, positioning themselves for a swift departure once navigation is restored. Nevertheless, the situation still requires careful observation.
According to Yonhap News Agency's report today, there were 120 Korean crew members on board the 26 vessels trapped inside the Strait of Hormuz, most of which have now moved to nearby waters. This move is interpreted as a preparation to rapidly leave the strait once US-Iran ceasefire talks are concluded and navigation reopens.
Shipping industry insiders stated, "Some ships that were observing the situation had attempted to pass through, but due to the unresolved US-Iran relations, it was difficult to act rashly."
As the unstable situation in the Middle East continues, the burden on shipping companies is growing daily, as stranded vessels still incur personnel and marine supply costs. The Korea Shipowners' Association stated that for the 26 vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, shipping companies are losing approximately 490 million Korean Won (about 11 million New Taiwan Dollars) daily, even without accounting for opportunity costs.
The report pointed out that even if Korean vessels have moved near the entrance of the strait in preparation for passage, whether they can actually pass still depends on the outcome of the US-Iran ceasefire talks. Uncertainty will persist until the negotiations conclude. Although a two-week ceasefire agreement was previously reached between the US and Iran, the South Korean ships were unable to pass through the strait due to ongoing confrontations such as the US's "anti-blockade" measures.
Shipping industry insiders commented, "Even after a formal ceasefire, individual shipping companies might observe the situation for some time before deciding whether to resume navigation." (Edited by Hsieh Yi-hsuan) 1150421
Choose to stand with the facts; every sponsorship you provide helps safeguard press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.