Houthis Issue Warnings to Dozens of Global Shipowners

Yemen's Houthi faction has escalated its efforts to disrupt maritime activity in the Red Sea by formally warning 64 international shipowners, marking a significant intensification of its anti-shipping campaign.

Pre-Warning Notices and Escalating Threats

The group issued what it called “pre‑penalty” notices, accusing the companies of violating a self-imposed blockade targeting Israeli ports. The warnings declared that vessels associated with these shipowners are now barred from navigating the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea. Furthermore, the Houthis threatened that such vessels “may be attacked wherever they fall within reach.”

This development follows the sinking of two Greece-owned bulk carriers—Magic Seas and Eternity C—last month, incidents that led the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMT) to label the threat level to Israel-linked vessels as “critical” and the general shipping risk in the region as “severe.”

Rising Concerns Over Insurance and Safety

The identities of the 64 companies have not been disclosed. However, if named publicly, these shipowners could face a sharp rise in insurance premiums due to heightened risk. The Houthis have conducted numerous attacks on commercial ships since November 2023, with Human Rights Watch classifying many of these actions as war crimes.

Industry and International Response

In a joint statement, leading maritime organizations—including the International Chamber of Shipping, BIMCO, INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO, and the European Community of Shipowner Associations—condemned the violence as “callous.” The coalition urged global powers to protect the safety of mariners and maintain freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway.

International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez also expressed deep concern, calling for swift global cooperation to restore maritime security in the region.

This latest move underscores the growing complexity of Red Sea shipping operations, as both commercial and diplomatic stakeholders weigh the rising risks associated with transiting this volatile corridor.