Alphabiz - HMM’s ‘NAMU’ Enters Repairs After Hormuz Strike, Downtime May Exceed One Month

Hull Breach on Korean Vessel Following Hormuz Incident (Photo = Yonhap News Agency)

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] HMM’s cargo vessel NAMU, which was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, has completed its initial on-site inspection and is preparing for repairs in Dubai, with downtime expected to last at least one month.

According to shipping and shipbuilding industry sources on May 11, the vessel—towed to a port in the United Arab Emirates on May 8—has undergone a first round of investigation and is now coordinating repair schedules with a local shipyard.

An HMM official said the case is unprecedented, noting that while ship collisions are not uncommon, “this type of external strike damage is difficult to assess,” adding that repairs are expected to take “at least one to two months.”

The incident occurred on May 4, when explosions and a fire broke out near the vessel’s stern while it was anchored in the Strait of Hormuz. A government investigation concluded that two unidentified aerial objects struck the ship approximately one minute apart. The impact created a breach measuring about 5 meters wide and 7 meters deep on the port side stern.

Images released by authorities show severe fire damage extending into the vessel’s interior, including areas around the ballast tank. Industry experts warn that the damage is extensive and could potentially render the vessel inoperable even after repairs.

“The structural damage appears extremely serious,” a shipbuilding industry official said, adding that “the fact the vessel did not sink despite damage to the ballast tank is fortunate.” The official also suggested the nature of the strikes may indicate an intent to disable or sink the vessel.

The NAMU is a 38,000-deadweight-ton multipurpose cargo ship built in China and delivered earlier this year, effectively making it a new vessel. At the time of the incident, parts of the ballast tank were exposed above the waterline after the ship had unloaded cargo in Saudi Arabia.

Industry analysts expect significant financial impact on HMM, including repair costs and opportunity losses from disrupted operations. The company is expected to discuss compensation procedures with its lead insurer, Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance.

Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)