Houthis Weigh Transit Fees for Bab el-Mandeb Strait Shipping

The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen are reportedly contemplating the introduction of transit fees for commercial ships navigating through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime corridor that connects the southern Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This consideration arises amidst rising regional tensions, particularly following the Houthis’ recent announcement of a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, which marks a significant escalation in their ongoing conflict with the United States and its allies, as well as the broader confrontation involving Iran. According to a report from Reuters, which cites various regional and diplomatic sources, Houthi officials are currently evaluating plans to impose charges on the majority of commercial vessels that traverse this narrow waterway. However, no specific timeline has been established for when these potential fees might take effect.

The idea of implementing transit fees was reportedly discussed during a recent visit by Houthi representatives to Iran, where they attended the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During this visit, Iranian officials are said to have provided guidance to the Houthis on the creation of a regulatory body that would be responsible for overseeing and managing these transit charges through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Under the current proposal, it has been suggested that Chinese vessels could be exempt from these fees, a notion that has reportedly garnered support from the Houthis. In recent months, China has engaged in direct discussions with the Houthis to ensure the safe passage of its commercial and energy shipments through the southern Red Sea, avoiding any potential targeting. Notably, China stands as the largest importer of crude oil from Saudi Arabia, making this arrangement particularly significant.