Sanaa denies imposing fees on Bab al-Mandab transit, reaffirms free passage services

SANAA, Aug. 01 (YPA) – The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) has denied reports claiming that the Republic of Yemen intends to impose financial fees on ships transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, affirming that passage has always been and remains entirely free of charge.

In a press statement reported by the state-run Yemen News Agency (Saba) in Sanaa, the center clarified that it has neither taken nor considered any decision regarding this matter. It noted that the “Safe Transit” service is offered free of charge and optionally to vessels and companies outside the scope of the declared ban, allowing them to confirm the safety of their navigation across the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea.

The center invited companies wishing to obtain safe transit confirmation to submit their requests through its official email address (clearances@hocc.gov.ye).

Furthermore, the HOCC emphasized that any entity or individual demanding financial payments for transit or permits in no way represents the Republic of Yemen or the center. It warned against the impersonation of its name or logo to collect fees, urging shipping companies to refrain from making payments, to document any extortion attempts, and to report them to (compliance@hocc.gov.ye).

The center concluded its statement by calling on media outlets and news websites to exercise accuracy and professionalism, and to rely on official channels before publishing or circulating any information concerning navigation in Bab al-Mandab.

YPA