Yemen’s Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), which operates under the Ansarullah administration, has denied reports that it plans to impose transit fees on commercial vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. In a statement issued on Saturday, the HOCC said commercial shipping continues to enjoy free passage through the Red Sea and that no decision has been made to levy charges on vessels using the strategic waterway.
The statement was issued in response to a Reuters report that cited regional sources claiming Yemeni authorities were considering a proposal to introduce transit fees for ships passing through the southern Red Sea. Rejecting the report, the HOCC said its "safe passage services” remain voluntary and are provided without charge.
The HOCC also warned shipping companies against individuals or organizations claiming to represent Yemeni authorities in exchange for payment. It said that any person or entity requesting money for passage through the Bab al-Mandab Strait does not represent the Republic of Yemen or the HOCC in any capacity.
