Shipping Companies Contact Houthis for Passage Through Bab al-Mandab Strait
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Shipping companies are emailing the Houthi group to ensure safe passage through the Bab al-Mandab strait, seeking assurances after a Houthi naval blockade. Vessels confirm no ties to the U.S., UK, or Israel and provide schedules. The Houthis typically respond within 24 hours, granting permits with specific operational instructions. International maritime authorities advise against such contact, though some companies request it as a precaution.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shipping companies are emailing the Houthis for safe passage through the Bab al-Mandab strait.
- The Houthis established a "Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center" to process these requests.
- Vessels must confirm no links to the U.S., UK, or Israel and adhere to maritime regulations.
- The Houthi group typically responds to these requests within 24 hours.
- One Chinese container ship received a permit with specific operational instructions.
- International maritime authorities advise against contacting the Houthi center.
Shipping companies are contacting the Iran-backed Houthi group via email to secure safe passage for their vessels through the Bab al-Mandab strait, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. While the Houthis have stated that ships not linked to the U.S., UK, or Israel are permitted to pass, shipping firms began seeking assurances after the Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in July. These communications are directed to a "Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center" established by the Houthis in early 2024, which processes requests and informs parties of Houthi procedures. Emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal show vessels confirming no ties to Israel, the U.S., or the UK, and providing expected schedules while pledging adherence to international maritime regulations. The Houthis typically respond within 24 hours, according to ship crews and emails. In one instance, the Chinese container ship "Zhong Cheng Chang Ling" received a week-long permit, with instructions to keep its Automatic Identification System (AIS) operational and maintain VHF Channel 16, a distress frequency, open. The ship was also advised to contact the Houthi Maritime Operations Center (HOCC) hotline and subscribe to their email alert service for updates. International maritime authorities advise against contacting or registering with this center, a guideline many ships follow. However, the captain of the "Zhong Cheng Chang Ling" stated his company requested he contact the Houthis as an additional precaution.
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