Gard Alert: Yemen – New Port Clearance Procedures
After 5 May 2016, companies responsible for shipping commercial goods or services to Saleef, Mokha and Hodeidah ports in Yemen must obtain port clearance via the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM).
Yemen’s Ministry of Transport has announced that, after 5 May 2015, shipping companies or owners shipping commercial goods or services to ports not under the direct control of the Government of Yemen (the ports of Saleef, Mokha and Hodeidah and associated oil terminals) must notify and apply for an entry permit via UNVIM.
The permit application must be submitted upon departure from the port of origin of their cargo and at least five days prior to arrival at their port of destination in Yemen. See notice from the Yemen Ministry of Transport published 2 May 2016 for details.
Vessels calling at Yemeni ports under the control of the Government of Yemen (the ports of Aden and Mukalla) need clearance from the Saudi Arabian-led coalition prior to entering Yemeni waters, and a copy of the Ministry of Transport’s form “Entry permission for commercial and relief ships to Yemeni ports” should be completed and sent by email to the Operations Unit of the Evacuation and Humanitarian Operations.
Members and clients calling at Yemeni ports are advised to take note of the above changes in vessel clearance procedures and well before arrival, clarify the status of a port’s services as availability of cranes, fuel, manpower, etc. may be limited.
Since the political situation in Yemen remains volatile and advice concerning port security and operations may change rapidly, it is important to make frequent checks with local sources of information, e.g. vessel’s agent, Gard’s correspondent, etc., to obtain the most up to date and reliable security information available at any given time in order to assess the current security situation prior to entering Yemini waters.
