Saudi Arabia recently accused the Shia-led political movement ‘Houthis’, that it fired a ballistic missile towards Riyadh airport. As a result, Saudi-led coalition decided to close access to Yemeni ports, in order to stop arms supply to the Houthis.
After this decision, Houthis movement warned that it could attack warships and oil tankers from enemy countries, in retaliation against the closure of Yemeni ports.
As of now, some Yemeni ports remain closed, while others have opened.
North P&I Club provided a list of what Yemeni ports are open and operational and which are not.
According to this list, from 13/11/2017 the following ports are open and operational:
- Aden,
- Ash Shihr,
- Mukalla,
- Nishtun
On the other hand, the following ports remain closed:
- Balhaf,
- Hodeidah,
- Mokha,
- Ras Isa (Both Rasa Isa Marine Terminal and Ras Isa Petroleum Products Reception Facility),
- Saleef
Furthermore, North Club notes that operators entering operational ports not under the direct control of the Government of Yemen must apply for a Certificate of Clearance via UNVIM as outlined in Norths industry news update of the 3 November 2017.
The UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM) is operational with immediate effect, aiming to boost commercial imports while enforcing an arms embargo imposed through UN Security Council resolution 2216 (2015). Ship operators or vessel masters shipping commercial goods or services to Hodeidah, Mokha, Saleef Port and associated oil terminals need to apply for permits upon departure of the port of origin of their cargo.
Additionally, North reports that vessels calling at other major Yemeni ports that are controlled by the Government of Yemen still must get clearance from the Saudi Arabian-led coalition before entering Yemeni waters.
Moreover, entry to Yemeni territorial waters will be granted only after an inspection by the naval forces of Saudi Arabian-led coalition, which can lead to potential delays, North P&I Club informs.
Lastly, it is important that the Master registers the vessel’s arrival with the port authorities upon arrival.
