Seoul: The South Korean presidential office announced on Tuesday that it will likely take several days to ascertain the cause of an explosion and subsequent fire on a Panama-flagged bulk carrier operated by South Korea's HMM Co. in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred aboard the HMM Namu while anchored near the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to Yonhap News Agency, the explosion took place at around 8:40 p.m. on Monday (Korean time) in the engine room of the vessel. The 24 crew members, including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals, utilized carbon dioxide to combat the blaze for about four hours. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. HMM has stated that security camera footage confirms the fire was extinguished, and an inspection of the engine room is planned to assess the damage.
The vessel is expected to be towed to a nearby port for detailed investigation by the Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal and the National Fire Agency. The cause of the explosion and fire, as well as the extent of the damage, remains under investigation. An HMM official noted that it is still unclear if the incident resulted from an external attack or an internal malfunction.
HMM has outlined plans to tow the freighter to Dubai, anticipating that the process will take several days. The South Korean crew members are expected to return home upon completion of the towing operation. All 24 crew members have remained on board, as no additional risk factors are present following the extinguishment of the fire.
The South Korean government is coordinating with international partners, including the United States, Iran, and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to share relevant information regarding the incident. Additionally, the oceans ministry and the Cheonghae naval unit in the Gulf of Aden are maintaining communication with the HMM Namu. The government is also in daily contact with the 26 South Korean ships anchored in the strait.
In a related development, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that Iran has targeted a South Korean cargo ship, urging Seoul to join a mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The South Korean presidential office is reviewing Trump's proposal, considering the readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures. The South Korean government is also participating in international efforts to stabilize and normalize the global maritime logistics network.
Industry officials noted that South Korean-operated ships in the region are moving toward Qatar as part of government measures to avoid the Strait of Hormuz for safety. The incident follows the U.S. launching Project Freedom to assist commercial vessels affected by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. HMM operates five vessels in the strait, including one container ship and two oil tankers.