Web Alert: Update on current status of Yemen ports and procedures for entering territorial waters

Members are advised that the following ports are fully operational as at 18 August 2016:

• Aden
• Ash Shihr
• Balhaf
• Hodeidah
• Mokha
• Saleef

Our correspondent, Gulf Agency Co. L.L.C, has informed the club that the port of Ras Isa is currently closed.
 
The implementation of the U.N. Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM) has encouraged commercial trade to the region, however, arms are strictly controlled by an embargo imposed by the U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015). Members are reminded that masters of vessels shipping commercial goods to Hodeidah, Mokha, and Saleef port, must apply for a permit from the Ministry of Transport as soon as the ship departs from the port of loading.
 
Saudi Arabian coalition forces continue to inspect vessels and the club’s advice relating to these inspections can be found in our web alert dated 2 October 2015 – available here.

It is important for members to be aware of sanctions in respect of Yemen which currently only relate to individuals and entities according to the latest information we have seen. Members trading in this area should seek specialist legal advice in that regard.
 
Members should also be aware that ships will not be permitted to call at a Yemeni port if the last port of call was in Israel, in accordance with the Arab League Boycott.
 
Members should contact their local agent and the club’s correspondent for up to date local information. For more detail or if you have any questions, please contact the authors of this article or your usual club contact.