SANAA, Yemen’s Houthi-run Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) has denied reports that it intends to impose fees on commercial vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, insisting that passage through the strategic waterway remains free.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the HOCC said no decision had been taken to charge ships sailing through the southern Red Sea and rejected reports suggesting otherwise.
The clarification follows a Reuters report published earlier this week, citing regional sources, which said the Iran-aligned Houthis had discussed the possibility of introducing transit fees for commercial vessels.
According to the Reuters report, the proposal was reportedly raised during meetings between Houthi officials and Iranian representatives in Tehran in July, although no timeline for implementation had been agreed upon.
HOCC Rejects Fee Claims
The Houthi maritime coordination body stressed that its safe transit service remains entirely voluntary and free of charge.
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“The HOCC categorically confirms that any individual or entity requesting payment in exchange for transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait does not represent the Republic of Yemen or HOCC in any capacity whatsoever,” the statement said.
The organization added that no official policy exists requiring commercial vessels to pay for passage through the waterway.
Strategic Waterway Under Close Watch
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serving as a vital route for global trade and energy shipments.
The Houthis recently declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, increasing concerns over shipping security in the region and prompting heightened international attention to developments affecting commercial navigation.
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While speculation about possible transit fees emerged following those developments, the Houthis’ latest statement seeks to reassure shipping companies that no such charges are currently being imposed.
