The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reports that vessels with valid UNVIM (UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen) clearance are being denied permission to depart. Local authorities have demanded vessels move from anchorage to berths, with reports of warning shots being fired and armed personnel boarding vessels.
Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, confirms these incidents have affected multiple clients in recent weeks, with Houthi fast attack craft actively patrolling the anchorage area.
“There are several motivations behind these actions,” Kelly explains. “The Houthis are using commercial shipping as a deterrent against US, UK and Israeli airstrikes. Additionally, they view ships departing their ports as a demonstration of their inability to defend port infrastructure.”
The warning extends beyond Ras Isa, with Kelly emphasizing that “the risk to seafarers at all Houthi held ports (Ras Isa, Hodeidah & Saleef) remains high.”
