The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a strongly worded advisory urging commercial vessel operators to reassess the risks of docking at ports under Houthi rebels’ control in Yemen, amid escalating regional tensions and increased threats to maritime security.
The alert references multiple incidents in which vessels—despite possessing United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) clearances—were denied departure or faced operational hindrances at key Red Sea ports, including Al-Hodeidah, Ras Issa, and Al-Salif.
UKMTO warned that naval operations near these ports could expose ships to collateral damage from potential military strikes targeting infrastructure in Houthi rebels-held areas.
“Masters and operators are advised to exercise extreme caution and review their operations in these high-risk zones,” the advisory stated, emphasizing the deteriorating safety landscape surrounding critical maritime corridors.
The warning coincides with a sharp rise in regional hostilities and attacks on commercial vessels traversing the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, including drone and missile strikes that have heightened alarm among global shipping lines and insurers.
Civil maritime analysts say the advisory reflects mounting concern over the Houthis’ increasing control of port access, which threatens to destabilize international shipping routes and disrupt humanitarian aid deliveries to a country already ravaged by conflict and economic collapse.
The UKMTO alert serves as a pivotal reminder for shipping companies to continuously monitor operational risks in Yemen and coordinate closely with international monitoring mechanisms.