Yemen bans entry to territorial waters
Further to the advisory published by BIMCO on 2 April 2015, it was reported yesterday that navigation in Yemen's territorial waters has been banned and ships are not allowed into Yemen unless inspected and approval by the Saudi-led coalition forces. The ban started yesterday after the Yemen's Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegated the coalition forces to implement it. In a statement signed by the Foreign Minister Riyadh Yassin, issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “Yemen has banned entry into the territorial waters and has authorized coalition countries to implement the decision, adding that the ban has been imposed on the country’s maritime zones”.
The definition of “maritime zones” has not been clearly defined and clarification is being sought. Members should attempt to clarify this with port agents and P&I if considering calling any Port in Aden. It is understood that only emergency food and medical aid vessels will be allowed entry and even then only after being searched. The guidance provided in the last advisory remains vis a vis transiting Bab el Mandeb and all vessels are advised to transit the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea outside Yemeni territorial waters (12 Nautical Miles) where possible.