Damaged South Korean Vessel Namu to Exit Hormuz in July

A South Korean-operated bulk carrier heavily damaged in a missile attack two months ago is expected to complete its repairs and exit the volatile Strait of Hormuz by mid-July at the earliest, government officials announced Wednesday.

The vessel, named Namu and operated by shipping giant HMM, is currently docked at a port in Dubai. Technicians are working to fix extensive structural damage sustained during a targeted strike in early May. 

The May Attack and Geopolitical Fallout

The Namu was anchored near the United Arab Emirates on May 4 when it was struck twice by airborne projectiles roughly one minute apart. The impacts punctured a 5-by-7-meter section of its port-side outer hull near the stern, triggering a fire, heavy smoke, and powerful vibrations. While the vessel suffered serious damage, all 24 crew members on board survived unharmed.

 

Following an intensive forensic investigation, South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on May 27 that the damage was highly likely caused by an Iranian anti-ship missile. In response, Seoul summoned Iran’s ambassador, Saeed Koozechi, to lodge a formal protest.

 

Ambassador Koozechi denied Tehran's involvement. South Korean officials later softened their public stance, stating they could not conclusively prove absolute responsibility or whether the strike deliberately targeted a South Korean vessel.

Navigating a Fragile Ceasefire

The anticipated departure of the Namu comes amid a fragile diplomatic environment. According to Vice Oceans Minister Nam Jae-heon, a total of 21 South Korean-operated vessels have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz since Washington and Tehran agreed to a regional ceasefire two weeks ago.

Despite the drop in active hostilities, risks remain high. The Namu is one of only two South Korea-linked ships currently stuck in the Persian Gulf. Approximately 35 South Korean sailors remain stationed on various vessels across the area under heightened safety protocols.

Financial and Operational Recovery

During a press briefing in Seoul, ministry officials confirmed that HMM is fully covering the upfront costs of the hull reconstruction in Dubai. An HMM spokesperson verified that the shipping line intends to submit a comprehensive damage claim to its maritime insurance provider once repairs conclude.

When pressed on whether Seoul would demand financial compensation from foreign governments for the incident, Vice Minister Nam stated that the administration may review legal and diplomatic options at a later date but declined to elaborate further.