HMM’s Namooho: How the Fire Incident in the Strait of Hormuz Affects Oil Transportation

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[Anchor] The HMM-operated vessel Namuho, which suffered an explosion and fire in the Strait of Hormuz, could be towed to Dubai Port as early as May 7. Crew members reported a loud blast at the time of the incident, and officials say it will take time to determine the cause. Meanwhile, a third South Korean oil tanker has transited the Red Sea route. Reporter Ko Hui-hoon has the details. [Reporter] A fire broke out aboard a South Korean-flagged ship near the UAE side of the Strait of Hormuz, and Seoul moved quickly to respond. Government officials have been in close contact with the ship’s operator to assess needs and offer support. HMM, the ship’s operator, has maintained continuous communications with the vessel and is coordinating response efforts. There were no injuries, but crew members reported a loud explosion that was heard by nearby ships. “Some reported a spray of water, which suggests a significant impact. Because the ship did not sink and continued moving, it likely did not take on large amounts of water. Still, the upper hull appears to have been affected,” said Kim Doo-young, chair of the Korea Seafarers’ Union. Authorities say there are no visible punctures to the hull. Seoul plans to dispatch investigators from the Marine Safety Tribunal and forensic teams from the Fire Agency to the scene. Officials expect a thorough cause analysis to take several days. The vessel is not able to proceed under its own power; tugs are expected to tow it to Dubai Port, possibly on May 7. So far, no crew members have requested to disembark. “The crew appeared shaken, but the captain exercised strong leadership. There has been no major panic, and the ship is en route to Dubai in its current condition,” Kim added. The Namuho is a modern, multipurpose heavy-lift ship, 182 meters long (597 ft), specialized for transporting ultra-large plant equipment. Currently, 26 South Korean vessels are stalled in the Strait of Hormuz, carrying about 160 Korean seafarers. Separately, South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said a third Korean tanker has been routing crude home via the Red Sea detour since the blockade. On April 17 and May 3, other Korean ships loaded crude oil at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port and then transited the Red Sea route. This is Ko Hui-hoon for Yonhap News TV. Video: Park Ji-yong, Kang Jun-hyuk. Video editing: Park Chang-geun. #US #Iran #War #Hormuz #Namuho Yonhap News TV — For inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23; Ko Hui-hoon (take5@yna.co.kr)