Busan: South Korean Oceans Minister Hwang Jong-woo has openly opposed Iran's reported push to charge fees on vessels passing through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, calling such action a "violation of international law." Hwang made the remarks at a press conference held at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries headquarters in the southeastern city of Busan, stressing that the Middle Eastern strait is one of the global shipping routes guaranteed free passage by the International Maritime Organization.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hwang stated, "Charging shipping tolls (in the strait) is practically equivalent to blocking the waterway." He further explained that unlike the Suez Canal, which is a man-made waterway, the Strait of Hormuz is comprised of international waters where the free movement of ships is guaranteed under international agreements. Imposing tolls in such waters is deemed inappropriate, and Hwang called for the continued freedom of navigation.
Tehran has reportedly been pushing to collect tolls on ships passing through the critical trade waterway, which has been affected by the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. With the reopening of the Hormuz strait remaining uncertain, Hwang mentioned that the South Korean government plans to reroute some oil tankers through the Red Sea for the time being. As of last week, four South Korean vessels had successfully navigated through the Red Sea on their way home, with one arriving in Yeosu and the others still en route.
Regarding the approximately 26 Korean vessels with 158 sailors still stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, Hwang assured that his ministry is in communication with them to ensure their safety and to help them secure necessary supplies such as food, drinking water, and fuel.
In light of these challenges, the minister highlighted the potential of Arctic shipping lanes as alternative routes for South Korea. He reaffirmed the government's plan to transform Busan and the surrounding southeastern region into a global maritime hub. He projected that while the Arctic route is currently navigable for only a few months each year, by 2040, this could be extended significantly with the help of icebreakers.
The ministry is planning a pilot operation of a 3,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit container vessel from Busan to Rotterdam via the Arctic route. PanStar Co., based in Busan, has been selected to lead this project. To support this initiative, the oceans ministry was relocated to Busan from Sejong last year. Furthermore, HMM Co., South Korea's largest shipping firm, has decided to move its headquarters from Seoul to Busan by the end of this year, with other smaller firms like SK Shipping Co. and H-Line Shipping Co. following suit.