Web alert: Yemen port update – compulsory inspection before entering Yemeni waters

The club has received an update reporting that the ports of Hodeidah, Saleef and Mokha have reopened and are now operational.

We are told that Ras Isa port FSO Safer Marine Terminal remains closed and is not operational. It appears that the Safer Company (SEPOC) is preventing vessels from berthing at Safer Marine Terminal if they do not have a signed agreement with the company, in line with the protocol in place between the buyer and the Yemeni government.

Compulsory inspection before entering Yemeni territorial waters:

The club understands that there is an official order from the legitimate Yemeni Government to the naval forces of the Saudi Arabian-led coalition to stop all ships calling the Yemeni ports for compulsory inspection before entry.

It appears that the naval forces led by the Saudi Arabian coalition have arrested a number of ships at Bab Al Mandab for inspection as they did not obtain the entry permission to the Yemeni ports prior to entering Yemeni territorial waters. We understand that ships will be allowed to enter the Yemeni territorial waters only after being inspected by the naval forces of the Saudi Arabian-led coalition.

The club therefore reminds members of the entry requirements before calling at Yemeni ports, as outlined by the club's local correspondents (GAC):

• All vessels should obtain entry permission from the Ministry of Transport through the ship's agent or receiver, before the vessel’s arrival to Bab Al-Mandab;
• The relevant documents and forms should be completed by the ship's master and sent directly to the Ministry of Transport;
• Once the vessel arrives outside Bab Al-Mandab, the master should call the naval forces of the Saudi Arabian-led coalition for the arrival registration and indicate his location in order to obtain entry approval to Yemeni territorial waters;
• The ship's master should then be advised of the anchorage location where the ship should remain until final approval to enter the port is provided;
• Once the vessel is allowed to enter Yemeni ports, the ship should contact port control for registration. The vessel will then be advised of the anchorage location until berthing prospects are confirmed by the harbour master.

The club will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as they develop. For any questions or further guidance, please do not hesitate to approach your club contact directly.