IMO hosts a workshop in Aden to boost maritime security in Yemen, supported by the EU, focusing on information sharing and regional cooperation.
New Step by IMO to Strengthen Maritime Security in the Red Sea
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) continues its efforts within the scope of the Red Sea Project, aimed at enhancing maritime security, coordination, and situational awareness in the waters off the Horn of Africa and Yemen.
In this context, the IMO organized a four-day workshop in Aden for Yemen's internationally recognized government from June 22 to 25, 2026, in collaboration with the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean Crisis Response Project, funded by the European Union (EU). Representatives from institutions responsible for Yemen's maritime security and the management of maritime jurisdiction areas came together at the workshop hosted by the Ministry of Transport.
During the workshop, a roadmap was prepared for the establishment of a National Maritime Information Sharing Center planned to be set up within the Yemen Coast Guard Headquarters, as well as for a Regional Maritime Information Sharing Center to be created under the Yemen Maritime Affairs Authority at the Port of Aden.
The IMO aims for both centers to adopt the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment Information Sharing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), which were accepted in 2023, as the foundation for national implementations. However, the fact that these procedures have not yet been translated into Arabic is among the priority issues to be addressed within the project.
Regional Cooperation to be Strengthened
The project conducted by the IMO and the EU aims to enhance information sharing among coastal states in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. Through this project, it is expected that countries will act in a coordinated manner according to common procedures in both routine maritime activities and emergencies.
On the other hand, separate efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of the Yemen Coast Guard under a project supported by Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the EU. With the support of the United Kingdom, two patrol vessels named Aden (IMO: 4698611) and Mayun have been reactivated, and coordination between former Coast Guard elements and the National Resistance Forces operating south of the Red Sea has also been improved.
Political Disputes Complicate the Process
However, political tensions in Yemen complicate the implementation of the projects. It is alleged that Saudi Arabia prevented the Interior Minister Ibrahim Haydan's attempt to dismiss Coast Guard Commander Major General Khalid Ali Mohammed El Kumali. Experts point out that the efforts of different institutions to gain a larger share of international support lay the groundwork for such disputes.
Piracy Threat Continues
Piracy activities centered in Somalia have also seen a resurgence in the region. The IMO Secretary-General has called for the immediate release of a total of 44 seafarers held on three tankers since March off the coast of Puntland.
Experts also indicate that the stalemate in peace talks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis increases security risks. Should tensions between the parties escalate into renewed conflict, attacks on commercial vessels passing through Yemeni waters are expected to rise again.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
