Despite a relative calm following the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, the US government is making clear that the Red Sea corridor is far from safe. The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a new advisory confirming that Yemen’s Houthi forces continue to pose a credible threat to commercial vessels operating in the Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden, according to Ship & Bunker.
Advisory Remains in Effect Until September
The advisory, issued on Thursday, will remain valid through September 22, according to Ship & Bunker. While no vessel attacks have been recorded since the Israel-Gaza ceasefire took effect in October 2025, MARAD’s warning makes clear that the absence of recent incidents does not mean the threat has passed.
The advisory references more than 100 incidents that took place between November 2023 and October 2025, affecting ships from over 60 nations — underscoring the scale of disruption the Houthi campaign caused to global maritime trade during that period.
Heightened Risk for Certain Vessels
Not all vessels face the same level of exposure. As reported by Ship & Bunker, ships with ties to the United States, United Kingdom, or Israel — or those that have called at Israeli ports — are considered to be at a higher level of risk under the current threat assessment.
Houthi Capabilities Still Intact
A key concern highlighted in the advisory is that Houthi forces retain the operational means to carry out attacks. According to Ship & Bunker, these capabilities include:
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- Missiles
- Explosive boats
The advisory also warns that Houthi forces may attempt to monitor and track vessel movements using AIS data, small boats, and UAVs.
What Operators Are Advised to Do
Maritime operators transiting the region are urged to take a range of precautionary steps. Ship & Bunker reports that the advisory recommends limiting electronic transmissions, varying transit routes, and coordinating directly with naval authorities — specifically including UK Maritime Trade Operations.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
