The latest passage came after the HMM-operated tanker Universal Winner became the first Korean vessel to exit the strait. The tanker, carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, arrived at the port of Ulsan on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the second vessel was a liquefied natural gas carrier operated by a Korean shipping company. Eight Korean crew members were aboard the ship, which has now left the Strait of Hormuz and is sailing safely, according to the ministry.
The vessel is headed to a third country, not South Korea, officials said.
Negotiations with Iran to secure the vessel’s passage were reportedly led by the foreign charterer. A charterer refers to a company that leases a vessel from its owner or operator.
“The ministry is supporting safe navigation through real-time monitoring and other measures,” the ministry said. “Detailed information on the vessel, including the shipping company, vessel name and charterer, cannot be disclosed in consideration of the crew members and the shipping company.”
With the latest passage, the number of Korean vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to 24. A total of 139 Korean crew members, including those aboard foreign-flagged vessels, remain in the area.
The Foreign Ministry said Seoul has continued to stress to Iran the need for the swift and safe navigation of all vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including Korean ships.
“We are also continuing communication with relevant countries on the matter,” the ministry said.
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