Houthi Permission Now Required to Cross the Red Sea

Before traversing the Red Sea, some commercial ship operating companies are contacting Yemen’s Houthi rebels via email. They are seeking assurance for safe passage by providing information on the ship’s identity, ownership, and potential route. Some ships are explicitly stating that they have no affiliation with the United States, the United Kingdom, or Israel.

A report by The Wall Street Journal states that ship operating companies are using an informal email system to communicate with the Houthis. This incident indicates how much the security situation and the reality of control have changed in this vital maritime route.

According to the report, ship operators are contacting the Houthi-established ‘Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center’ (HOCC). This center, established in early 2024, receives information about a ship’s identity, destination, and potential route.