South Korea prepares supply plan for some 20 ships trapped in Strait of Hormuz, may seek help from host countries if crisis drags on

The government has begun drawing up contingency plans to prepare for shortages of essential supplies on roughly 20 South Korean-flagged vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, Financial News reported.
According to government sources on the 10th, Seoul has started negotiations with neighboring host countries so that supplies can be delivered to Korean-flagged ships that have halted operations and are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. If food and other necessities run out, the plan is to allow these vessels to enter ports in nearby countries, excluding the Islamic Republic of Iran, to receive assistance.
An official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Most of the ships still have sufficient supplies for now," adding, "If necessary, we are negotiating with host countries so that they can sail to nearby ports, other than those in the Islamic Republic of Iran, to receive resupply." The official also noted that support will be provided to everyone on board, without distinguishing between foreign and Korean crew members.
With the Islamic Republic of Iran maintaining its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for a tenth day, hundreds of ships from around the world, including those from South Korea, remain stranded. It is estimated that more than 180 Korean crew members are aboard the 20 or so isolated South Korean vessels.



rainman@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Kyung-soo Reporter