Yemen Terminal Specs: Hodeidah & Aden (2026 Update)

Navigating UNVIM Clearance and Technical Infrastructure in the Red Sea.

Operating in Yemen requires more than just a vessel; it requires an intimate understanding of the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) and the shifting technical realities of the berths. As of February 2026, the regulatory environment has tightened, and infrastructure remains sensitive.

1. Hodeidah Port (Al Hudaydah)

Strategic Gateway for Northern Yemen Hodeidah remains the primary entry point for 70–80% of humanitarian and commercial food aid into the country.

Technical Specifications

  • Max Draft: 9.75 Meters (Subject to seasonal silting).

  • Max LOA: 200 Meters.

  • Max DWT: 30,000 Tons (Strictly enforced for safety in the approach channel).

  • Crane Status: Geared Vessels Only. While limited shore-side STS (Ship-to-Shore) capabilities exist, they are frequently unavailable due to maintenance cycles and fuel shortages. Chartering managers should prioritize vessels with minimum 30MT crane capacity.

  • Approach Channel: 10 miles long, 200 meters wide. Night berthing is permitted but subject to pilot availability and weather.

The "UNVIM" Protocol (2026 Update)

All vessels destined for Hodeidah, Saleef, and Ras Isa must obtain UNVIM clearance via the Djibouti Hub.

  • New Deadline: As of February 2026, the Yemeni Ministry of Transport requires entry permits to be filed immediately upon departure from the load port. Late applications filed at anchorage are now categorically rejected.

    +1

  • AIS Compliance: Continuous AIS broadcasting is mandatory. "Dark Fleet" behavior or signal gaps during transit will trigger an immediate UNVIM secondary inspection.

2. Port of Aden

Southern Yemen’s Logistics Backbone Aden serves as the primary hub for the Government of Yemen and operates at high capacity for containerized and bulk cargo.

Aden Container Terminal (ACT)

  • Max Depth at Berth: 16.0 Meters (Deepest in the region).

  • Max LOA: 350 Meters (Can accommodate Post-Panamax vessels).

  • Infrastructure: 7 Operational Gantry Cranes (SWL up to 65 Tons).

  • Security: ISPS Level 2. The Yemen Coastguard maintains a permanent base at the terminal to ensure safety for yachting and commercial traffic.

Ma’alla Wharf (General & Bulk Cargo)

  • Max Draft: 11.0 Meters (Berths 1-4) | 6.7 Meters (Berths 5-6 for dhows).

  • Capabilities: 50,000 MT capacity bulk silos and active flour milling plants.

  • Vessel Type: Ideal for Supramax and Handysize vessels discharging bulk grain or cement.

3. Al Saleef Port

The Natural Deep-Water Alternative Located 50km north of Hodeidah, Saleef is the preferred destination for larger bulk grain vessels that exceed Hodeidah’s draft limits.

  • Max Draft: 13.0 Meters.

  • Max LOA: 225 Meters.

  • Technical Note: Saleef is a "Natural Deep-Water" port protected by Kamaran Island. It has no shore-side cargo handling equipment. All vessels must be self-sustaining (Geared).

  • Primary Trade: Bulk grain discharging directly into silos and rock salt exports.

2026 Compliance Checklist for Yemen

If you are fixing a vessel for Yemen this month, ensure your operational desk has verified the following:

  1. Advance Entry Permit: Issued by the Ministry of Transport immediately after loading.

  2. UNVIM Submission: Documentation sent to operations@vimye.org with correct manifest categorization.

  3. AIS Integrity: Verified "Clean" track history for the preceding 24 months.

  4. Armed Guard Embarkation: Coordination for security teams at the Djibouti or Galle exchange points.

  5. Local Agent Verification: Direct confirmation of berth depth, as dredging in Hodeidah and Saleef is inconsistent.

Request a Yemen Feasibility Study

Our 30 years of local agency data allows us to predict berthing delays and technical hurdles before you fix.

Contact the Yemen Desk: Email: info@sanctionedshipping.com Subject: Yemen Port Intel – [Hodeidah / Aden / Saleef]