Skuld P&I Club update on the situation
The Skuld P&I Club provides latest updates on the situation in Yemen due to the tight blockade affecting Yemeni ports.
A significant number of reports from agents, media as well as feedback from members, indicates that Saudi Arabian led naval forces have started to enforce a blockade on Yemeni ports.
In particular this would appear to target ports which may be under the control of the Houthi led forces fighting government forces across Yemen.
The intention seems to be to stop shipments that could assist the Houthi led forces in their conflict with the government forces.
Reports include:
- a prevention of vessel traffic from Bab Al Mandab to Yemeni territorial waters
- a particular focus on vessels that may have recently called at Iranian or Iraqi ports
- targeting of Houthi controlled ports, particular in the north and west of Yemen, including air and naval artillery strikes
- a lack of stevedores and port staff at Aden due to intense local fighting
- a movement of refugees (in particular foreign nationals) out of Yemen, seeking to cross particularly towards Djibouti
It has been very difficult to obtain first hand verification of reports, in particular as local correspondents and agents are working under extreme conditions.
As such the situation remains very fluid.
Risk management
Given the continued intense conflict affecting, in particular, the port city of Aden, the continuation of air and naval strikes across Yemen (including against Houthi controlled ports), and the increased tightening of the naval blockade, members need to undertake a very urgent review of:
- the situation of any vessel still at any Yemeni port
- the progress of any vessel that has been ordered to a Yemeni port, but has not yet arrived
- discussions about any charter fixture that may include a liberty to call at a Yemeni port
At all times, safety and security of the crew and vessel must take precedence and masters should be instructed accordingly.
Operators with any vessel at Yemen or going to Yemen should take the following immediate steps:
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Source: The Skuld P&I Club
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