The HMM-operated general cargo ship NAMU, recently attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, is set to undergo comprehensive repairs. According to relevant personnel, the initial on-site investigation of the vessel has been completed, and the company will now coordinate with local shipyards to schedule the repair work. The duration of the repairs remains unknown at this stage.

The explosion and subsequent fire aboard the NAMU were previously determined to have been caused by the impact of unidentified aerial vehicles. South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that while surveillance footage captured these objects, technical limitations have so far prevented confirmation of their launch origin, specific model, or physical dimensions. Further analysis will be conducted on debris recovered from the incident site.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on May 4, two unidentified aerial vehicles struck the port-side stern ballast tank shell plating of the NAMU approximately one minute apart. The impacts were followed by hull vibration, flames, and thick smoke. The investigation indicates that the fire was ignited by the initial strike, with the second strike causing the blaze to spread rapidly. Preliminary assessments suggest the fire was unrelated to any internal factors aboard the vessel.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (same below)

The damage is located approximately 1 to 1.5 meters above the waterline. The shell plating exhibits a breach roughly 5 meters wide and penetrating approximately 7 meters, accompanied by inward denting and deformation of the surrounding structure. Given the pattern of damage caused by blast pressure and the semi-spherical penetration characteristics, the possibility of a mine or torpedo attack can largely be ruled out. The evidence points more strongly toward impact from an aerial vehicle.

Red line: point of origin; Yellow line: direction of penetration (or burn-through)

The NAMU is a 38,314 dwt vessel flying the Panamanian flag. Delivered and placed into service in January of this year, none of the 24 crew members on board, including six South Korean nationals, were reported injured.