Some commercial shippers are emailing a Houthi-established center for passage assurances before using the Red Sea, a route whose security risks have pushed operators to consider detours around Africa, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The Chinese container ship Zhong Cheng Chang Ling received a seven-day transit permit after an Aug. 16 application, WSJ reported. The vessel was instructed to keep its Automatic Identification System (AIS) active during the voyage. AIS transmits identification and tracking information, including a ship’s location and course.
The center, known as the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre (HOCC), was established by the Houthis in early 2024. WSJ reported that operators send vessel and voyage details, with replies arriving in about 24 hours in some cases. Some ships have also received directions specific to their passage, according to the newspaper.
The email channel is voluntary. WSJ reported that the Houthis have said ships without ties to the United States, the United Kingdom or Israel may pass, while some operators use the channel for additional assurance.
The Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait connect the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal. Houthi attacks on commercial shipping have made the corridor riskier, and some companies are considering a longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. EconoTimes has previously reported on EU escort requests that exceeded available ships.
