Vessels Request Red Sea Safe Passage Through Houthi Email Permits

Commercial ships are emailing the Houthis to request safe passage permits through the Red Sea.

Commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea are requesting safe passage by emailing a Houthi administrative body established in 2024. The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center processes these permit applications and provides navigational alerts. This system illustrates the direct administrative control exerted over vital maritime routes by the armed group.

• The processShippers send messages to the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center to secure transit approval.
• The backgroundThe administrative entity handling these applications was established by the Houthis in early 2024.