War shuts down Yemen sea ports

Fighting between the Houthi rebels in Yemen and the government, backed by Saudi Arabia and others, has caused a near-complete shutdown of the country’s container ports, hurting humanitarian relief efforts and international trade.

On 11 April, Yemen’s foreign minister Riyadh Yassin said: “Yemen has banned entry into its territorial waters and has authorised coalition countries to implement the decision.”

Shipping lines including Maersk Line, MSC and Evergreen Line have therefore suspended all calls to the country or diverted them away.