The Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) has released a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) assuring safe passage to vessels transiting through the Gulf of Aden, Bab el Mandeb, the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea if they are not related to the “sanctioned entities of companies”. The HOCC has encouraged companies to submit a free safe passage request for their vessels, claiming that they are operating within the parameters of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“The Safe Transit Coordination Request for vessels is a free and optional service provided by HOCC to vessels/companies (that fall outside the declared ban) that want to confirm the safe transit of their vessels from the Red Sea, Bab Al Mandeb, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea,” the FAQ from the Houthis states. Maritime security specialists at Vanguard Tech are advising that the recently introduced service should not be relied upon as a substitute for formal, professional risk assessments. The only way forward is constructive dialogue

“While presented as an informational or advisory platform designed to assist the maritime industry, the service is more likely a strategic move aimed at legitimising Houthi authority over Yemeni waters and shaping maritime narratives in their favour,” Vanguard noted in an alert sent to clients today.

Last week, the Houthis issued formal warnings to 64 global shipowners. The notices, described as “pre‑penalty” warnings, accused the targeted shipowners of violating a self-proclaimed blockade of Israeli ports, stating that these fleets are now “prohibited from transiting the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea,” and may be attacked “wherever they fall within reach”.

This comes five weeks after the Houthis sank two Greek-owned bulk carriers, Magic Seas and Eternity C.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council high-level open debate on Monday, IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez said: “When geopolitical tensions disrupt shipping and innocent seafarers lose their lives, as we have seen recently in the Red Sea Area and during 2024, the only way forward is constructive dialogue. Maritime security is not just technical – it is deeply human.”

Sam Chambers