Blockade

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.

Members with any vessel at Yemen or going to Yemen should take the following
immediate steps:

1. ascertain the latest situation locally

2. instruct the master to prioritise the safety of the crew and vessel
3. consider raising the ISPS level to 3 when at any Yemeni port, members
should do this in consultation with their flag
4. inform Hull, War and P&I insurers
5. review contractual arrangements, in particular charter terms
6. contact contractual counterparties to open lines of communication
The Association is standing by to assist members with queries. All decisions should
be undertaken after a careful review of the present situation unless the master of the
vessel considers there to be an imminent or immediate threat to the safety of the
crew or vessel, in which case he must be assured that he is at liberty to take the
necessary steps to safeguard the same.