Yemen has undergone seven years of devastating armed conflicts and, according to UNHCR, remains a huge humanitarian crisis with escalation of conflict and a collapsed economy. The UN-brokered nationwide truce, which has brought six-month of relative calm to the country, unfortunately expired on 2 October 2022. With regard to Yemeni ports in general, the Association has contacted its correspondent GAC Yemen and the following information is summarised for Members’ reference.

I. Port situation

No trade restriction and/or sanction issues are currently applied in Yemen, and below is the general current Yemen port’s status as of date:

Open/operational ports:

1. Aden,
2. Rudhum Oil Exporting Terminal,
3. Mukalla,
4. Ash Shihr Oil Exporting Terminal,
5. Nishtun,
6. Hodeidah,
7. Mokha,
8. Saleef.

Open ports are operating in a normal manner with no security issues that we are aware of.

Closed ports:

1. Balhaf LNG Terminal,
2. Ras Isa Marine Terminal,
3. Ras Isa Petroleum Products Reception Facility.

II. Port entry requirements

All Ships calling at Aden, Mukalla, Ash Shihr, Rudhum terminal and Nishtun port need to apply for clearance at the Coalition HQ in Riyadh prior to arrival. Coalition contacts are as follows:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;

Mobile: 00966550144425.

Ships calling at Hodeidah and Saleef port need to apply for clearance at UNVIM in Djibouti prior to arrival. UNVIM contact are as follows:

Phone: +253 77 103118;

Fax: +253 21 35 52 41;

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III. Cargo shortage and damage

For all ships discharging general cargo such as Bulk/Bagged which are calling Yemen ports, cargo shortage and damage claims are expected. LOU is not acceptable, only cash settlement can be accepted. Therefore, it is recommended to arrange a draft survey and monitoring survey, unseal hatches if requested.

IV. Covid & health quarantine

With regard to Covid-19, the 14-days quarantine does not apply at Yemeni ports, but ship’s crew are advised to take necessary precautions against malaria and other mosquito transferred diseases.

 So far, for all vessels on arrival at Anchorage, the port health’s authority will attend on board and examined the health conditions of all crew/guard. After inspections the port health would give a permission by written to the port authority to allow the ship to berth. Be note that each vessel takes their own role to berth based on arrival at the Aden anchorage and collation permission ready in advance prior to berth.

V. Ship security

Armed guards are allowed to remain on board with/without weapon/ammunition and equipment, but not to disembark while vessel proceeds to Aden or any ports in Yemen. Arm list, copies of passport with details, and security licenses of the appointed armed personnel on board should be send to the local charters agent prior to arrival and master has to keep same copies ready on board as well.

The master should confirm that the weapons/ammunitions will be sealed onboard within bonded store during her entry in Yemen Territorial Waters which are only for self-defence against the piracy threatening in international waters.

Please be advised that, according to Yemen Coast Guard No.622, the weapons/ammunitions will be sealed onboard within bonded store by Cost Guards and charged $2000 via local charters agent 72 hours prior to the arrival of ships.

The article is based on the information provided by our Yemen correspondent. Members proceeding to Yemen ports are strongly advised to confirm with local agent for updated requirements.