UN scientists have been refused again permission by Houthis to visit the deserted oil tanker ‘SAFER FSO’, moored off Hodeidah, Yemen, which is described as a “floating bomb” with the potential to create an environmental disaster, experts say.
Humanitarian Affairs Chief Mark Lowcock alerted the UN Security Council that an aging oil tanker moored outside Yemen’s Hodeidah port was at risk of exploding. The moored tanker was close to Yemen’s recently demilitarized Hodeidah port. During his speech, he highlighted that ‘The spill could reach from Bab el Mandeb to the Suez Canal, and potentially as far as the Strait of Hormuz.’
The North of England P&I Club correspondent has confirmed the situation with regard port status in Yemen, as of 17 April. The Club advised Masters to remain in close contact with the appointed agent and have all cargo documentation ready when requested by officials.
Commenting on the latest development on the Port of Hodeidah, UN informed that it remains open and operational. However, the World Food Program said that 50% of the shipment of food to Yemen has been cut, because many ships are refusing to dock in Hodeidah port due to the fighting.
The attack on the Port of Hodeidah in Yemen has advanced this week, as UAE-backed Yemeni forces have gained more territory, which now puts them about five miles away from the Port. Until now, the Port of Hodeidah remains open, but the main roads that are leading to the south and east of the city are closed to aid convoys.
On November 3, two suspicious skiffs attempted piracy attack to a Chemical Tanker as the vessel was making northbound passage through the Red Sea west of Yemen. After warning hand flares were fired, the skiffs ceased approach and passed by the stern.
In its latest Yemen ports update, the Swedish Club informed that Huthi militia is holding 10 oil and commercial vessels in the port of Hodeidah, preventing them from unloading their cargo, while some ships have been detained for nearly 6 months, according to the head of the Higher Relief Committee.
The Yemeni Navy managed to prevent an attempt by Houthi rebels against ships in the Red Sea. According to initial reports, Yemeni forces seized a a booby-trapped, explosives-loaded boat sent by the Houthis to attack international ships in the area.
The ports of Aden, Mukalla, Nishtun, Hodeidah and Saleef and the Rudhum and Ash Shihr oil exporting terminals are currently open and operating as normal with no security issues. The port of Mokha, Balhaf LNG Terminal, Ras Isa Marine Terminal and Ras Isa Petroleum Products Reception Facility are closed.
A Saudi-led military coalition thwarted attacks by the Houthis. Namely, the movement used explosives-laden speedboats against commercial vessels, according to a Saudi-led coalition’s spokesman. Earlier this week, the Houthis informed that they conducted an operation in Saudi waters, during which they hit a military target.
