Ships Carrying Semiconductor Chemicals, Cars Stranded in Hormuz Strait

The Middle East crisis has trapped not only crude oil tankers but also refined petroleum, gas, and chemical carriers among South Korean vessels stranded inside the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns are mounting that refined oil shortages could cause more immediate and severe damage than crude oil disruptions, with potential impacts on exports to the Middle East and semiconductor production.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Rep. Cho Seung-hwan of the People Power Party on the 17th, 26 South Korean cargo ships are currently waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz. Nine are crude oil carriers, including Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). Six are petroleum product carriers transporting refined products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Two are gas carriers for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Additionally, two chemical tankers carrying chemical raw materials and liquid chemicals, two bulk carriers loaded with sulfur and fertilizer materials, and two general cargo ships are waiting at sea. The chemical tankers are believed to contain various chemical products needed for semiconductor production. One heavy-lift vessel carrying power generation equipment and plant structures, one car carrier, and one container ship are also stranded. A total of 146 South Korean nationals are aboard these 26 vessels. A ministry official added, "We cannot disclose specific cargo details or locations."

This marks the first disclosure of stranded vessels by type since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war. An industry official noted, "Different oil types have varying impacts on industries. Jet fuel prices traded in Singapore have nearly doubled, causing greater damage to related sectors." The official warned, "If shortages emerge in sulfur and helium used in semiconductor production, the entire supply chain could face paralysis."

Helium dependence on the Middle East is particularly acute. Last year, 64% of South Korea's helium imports ($146.84 million of $226.9 million total) came from Qatar. If the Hormuz Strait blockade becomes prolonged, helium supply disruptions could occur. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are reportedly developing countermeasures, including helium recycling solutions.

Concerns are also rising over potential disruptions to overall trade with the Middle East. According to the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, exports to the Middle East grew 39.3% from $14.68 billion in 2020 to $20.44 billion in 2025. The share of four major countries—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait—expanded from 54.2% to 58.8%.

Last year, the top export items to these four countries were automobiles to Saudi Arabia, nuclear reactors, boilers, and machinery to UAE and Qatar, and electrical equipment to Kuwait. However, as suspensions of car carriers and heavy-lift vessels continue, some analysts warn that a slowdown in exports to the Middle East cannot be ruled out.

Hong Sung-wook, Director of Industrial Economic Data Analysis at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, stated, "We need to prepare for delays or derailment of mega economic cooperation projects such as 'Stargate' in the UAE." He added, "We must also develop response measures for potential downturns in consumer markets including Samsung Electronics smartphones, Hyundai Motor vehicles, and fast-growing K-beauty and K-food sectors."