"Remain in Nearby Waters Until Situation Stabilizes"... Ministry Advises Shipping Companies to Refrain from Sailing through Strait of Hormuz [US Iran Airstrikes]

37 Korean Vessels Operating in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
VHF Blockade Warning Broadcasts Presumed from Iranian Authorities Confirmed

As tensions in Middle Eastern waters have escalated following airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has advised Korean shipping companies operating near the Strait of Hormuz to refrain from sailing in the area.

Sungbum Kim, Acting Minister of Oceans and Fisheries. Photo by Yonhap News.

On March 1, Acting Minister Seongbum Kim convened an emergency inspection meeting to assess the safety management of Korean vessels. The meeting was held in response to the heightened risk of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz-a key global oil transport route-after the death of Iran’s supreme leader resulting from U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28.

As of 10 a.m. that day, it was confirmed that 37 Korean vessels were operating in the waters near the Strait of Hormuz, including the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. A Ministry official stated, “We have confirmed that VHF warning broadcasts, presumed to be issued by Iranian authorities, are being transmitted to ships near the Strait of Hormuz, warning of a potential blockade.” As of now, no damage has been reported involving Korean vessels or crew members.

Immediately after the meeting, the Ministry sent official documents to ships and shipping companies operating in the area, advising them to refrain from sailing. Although there has been no formal blockade, this is a preemptive measure in view of the urgent situation. As a result, the affected vessels will remain in nearby waters until the situation stabilizes.

As of last year, 69.1% of South Korea's crude oil imports came from the Middle East, with more than 95% of that volume passing through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the country’s heavy dependence on the route.

Acting Minister Kim stressed, “We are maintaining a 24-hour emergency response system to ensure the safety of our seafarers and vessels, and we will thoroughly prepare for prolonged standby situations, considering the limited reserves of provisions such as food.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.