Houthis push back on report of planned Red Sea shipping fees

International Houthis push back on report of planned Red Sea shipping fees Comments: by Finya Swai - 08/01/26 10:44 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Finya Swai - 08/01/26 10:44 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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Yemen’s Houthi-run maritime authority pushed back on Saturday against reports that the group is considering charging toll fees to commercial vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, saying ships can continue to pass through the waterway without paying.

The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center said in a statement that its safe-passage service is voluntary and does not require shipping companies to pay for access.

“The HOCC further emphasizes that transit through the Bab al-Mandab Strait is free of charge,” the statement reads, noting circulating reports claiming Yemen intends to impose the tolls.

“The HOCC categorically confirms that any individual or entity requesting the payment of money in exchange for transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait does not represent the Republic of Yemen or HOCC in any capacity whatsoever.”

It also warned shipping companies against making payments or sharing information with people claiming to collect money on the group’s behalf.

“The HOCC urges shipping companies not to make any payments or provide any information to unauthorized individuals or entities,” the group said in its statement.

The denial follows a Reuters report published Wednesday that said Iran-backed Houthis were considering imposing fees on most commercial vessels using the strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Regional officers reportedly told Reuters that the proposal was discussed with Iranian officials during a July visit to Tehran by Houthi representatives. No timeline had been set for putting the plan into effect, according to the report.

The proposed system would reportedly have exempted Chinese vessels while placing new pressure on the U.S. and its regional allies.

The statement comes as shipping traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb began to slow after the group attacked Saudi Arabia, and its declaration of a maritime blockade against the kingdom.

Only 11 cargo vessels passed through the strait on July 26 — the lowest daily total in months, according to data from maritime analytics firm Kpler.

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