HUDAIDAH

• YEHOD
• Latitude: 14.8399
• Longitude: 42.9328
• Red Sea
• Port in Yemen

Location: Yemen

Hodeidah Port, often referred to as the Port of Hodeidah, is a critical maritime facility located on the Red Sea coast in western Yemen. Here are the key specifications and descriptions of Hodeidah Port (Hudaydah):

Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 14.7976° N, 42.9521° E
• Region: Western Yemen, on the Red Sea coast.

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Terminals: Hodeidah Port has several terminals designed to handle various types of cargo, including general cargo, containers, and bulk commodities.
• Berths: Multiple berths with diverse capabilities, including deepwater berths to accommodate a range of vessel sizes.
• Warehouse: Storage facilities including warehouses for transit and long-term storage.
• Equipment: Equipped with cranes (including mobile and fixed cranes), forklifts, and other necessary loading/unloading machinery.

Cargo

• Types of Cargo:
  • General cargo (goods, machinery, etc.)
  • Containerized cargo
  • Bulk cargo (grains, minerals, and other bulk commodities)
  • Fuel and petroleum products
• Annual Throughput: The port handles a significant volume of the nation's imports, though specific throughput statistics can vary based on the regional economy and political stability.

Navigation and Access

• Channel Depth: The approach channel and berths typically have sufficient depth to accommodate medium-sized ocean-going vessels.
• Tidal Range: The tidal range in Hodeidah can impact docking and undocking operations.
• Pilotage: Pilotage is mandatory for vessels entering and leaving the port, ensuring safe navigation through the coastal and port waters.

Services

• Customs: Full-fledged customs facilities for clearance of goods.
• Repair: Basic maintenance and repair services available.
• Bunkering: Fueling services for ships available.
• Security: The port has security measures in place to protect cargo and vessels, though conditions can be affected by regional instability.

Economic and Strategic Importance

• Economic Role: Hodeidah Port is vital for Yemen's economy, being one of the major gateways for humanitarian aid, agricultural products, consumer goods, and raw materials.
• Strategic Importance: Its location on the Red Sea makes it a pivotal point for maritime traffic between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, adding strategic significance especially during conflicts in the region.

Challenges

• Conflict and Security: The port has been significantly affected by the Yemeni Civil War. Issues such as blockades, damage to infrastructure, and periodic closures have impacted operations. Security for shipping and port activities can be volatile due to the conflict.
• Humanitarian Access: Given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, the port is crucial for the delivery of humanitarian aid. International efforts often focus on maintaining access and operational status of the port.

Management

• Administration: Managed by Yemen’s Port Authority under the Ministry of Transport.
• International Oversight: Various international bodies and local stakeholders often monitor and support the port to ensure humanitarian supplies get through, considering the conflict situation.

Overall, Hodeidah Port serves as a lifeline for Yemen, playing a pivotal role in both commercial trade and humanitarian aid delivery in a region marred by conflict and economic difficulties.