HOCC Confirms Bab al-Mandab Strait Transit Remains Free of Charge
Key Takeaways
- •The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center dismissed reports that Yemen intends to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- •Transit through the strait and the HOCC's Safe Transit Service remain entirely free of charge for vessels outside the scope of the declared ban.
- •The Safe Transit Service is a voluntary offering through which vessels can request confirmation of safe passage and expect a response within a few hours.
- •HOCC warned that any individual or entity demanding payment for transit is fraudulent and does not represent Yemen or the organization.
- •The organization urged all media outlets to verify transit-related information through official HOCC channels before publishing or circulating it.
HOCC Confirms Bab al-Mandab Strait Transit Remains Free of Charge
International Shipping News — 03/08/2026
The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) has issued a statement dismissing recent reports circulating on certain news websites and media platforms that the Republic of Yemen intends to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is one of the world's most strategically significant maritime chokepoints, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serving as a critical transit route for commercial shipping between Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean. Any change to access conditions or associated costs in the strait carries broad implications for global trade flows and freight markets.
The HOCC emphasized that transit through the Bab al-Mandab Strait remains entirely free of charge. The organization's services, including the Safe Transit Service for vessels, are also provided at no cost.
Safe Transit Service Details
The Safe Transit Service is a voluntary, cost-free offering available to vessels and companies that fall outside the scope of the declared ban and wish to confirm safe transit through the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea. All vessels outside the scope of the declared ban may transit safely.
For added assurance, vessels may submit a Safe Transit Request by email to [email protected] at any time. The HOCC states that a response will be provided within a few hours.
Fraud Warning
The HOCC categorically confirmed that any individual or entity requesting payment in exchange for transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait does not represent the Republic of Yemen or the HOCC in any capacity. Shipping companies are urged not to make any payments or provide any information to unauthorized individuals or entities.
The organization warned against unauthorized use of its name or logo, or any false claim of representation, for the purpose of collecting fees or other payments related to transiting the strait. Anyone asked to pay such fees is advised to refrain from making any payment, document the incident when it is safe and practicable to do so, and report the matter via email to [email protected], attaching all available details and supporting evidence to assist in verifying the incident and taking necessary action.
Call for Media Accuracy
The HOCC called upon all media outlets and news websites to adhere to professional standards, exercise due diligence and accuracy when reporting news, and refrain from publishing or circulating information concerning transit through the Bab al-Mandab Strait before verifying it through the HOCC's official channels.
The HOCC also welcomes questions or inquiries submitted via email to [email protected] and will provide responses and clarifications as soon as possible.
Source: Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC)