Panama Maritime Authority issued marine notice 03/2025 advising all Panamanian-flagged vessels operating near or intending to call at Ras Isa Port, Yemen, of the serious operational, legal, and security risks due to the recent escalation of hostilities and the expiration of U.S. sanctions relief.
On April 4, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) allowed the General License 25A to expire. Consequently, any delivery or discharge of petroleum products in ports controlled by the Houthi movement, including Ras Isa, is now considered to be material support to a designated terrorist organization under U.S. sanctions law. Vessels and associated parties found to be
involved in such activities are at risk of being listed on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list.
Several vessels and their operating companies have already been sanctioned for discharging cargo at Ras Isa following the expiration of the license. OFAC has reiterated that further support to the Houthis, including through maritime delivery of fuel or oil, could subject vessels, owners, operators, insurers, and financiers to U.S. sanctions. In addition to sanctions, the port area remains under high threat due to recent U.S. airstrikes targeting the terminal and retaliatory Houthi attacks. The April 17, 2025, U.S.
strike at Ras Isa terminal resulted in over 80 fatalities, including port workers and first responders. The site remains volatile and dangerous for maritime operations.
Vessels currently anchored off Ras Isa awaiting discharge are advised to assess the full scope of legal and security risks. Departure from the area without discharge may incur commercial penalties, but proceeding may result in exposure to OFAC sanctions.All Panamanian-flagged vessels operating in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and waters near Yemen are urged to:
Elevate Security Levels following their Ship Security Plans;
Maintain full functionality of AIS and LRIT systems;
Avoid any commercial engagement with sanctioned or Houthi-controlled terminals;
Report any unusual or hostile activity to compliance@amp.gob.pa.
Any inquiries or incident reports should be directed to the Maritime Ship Security Department at: E-mail: compliance@amp.gob.pa. Phone: (507) 501-5037 / 5017 Website: https://panamashipregistry.com/marine-category/marine-notices/.
The Panama Maritime Authority strongly advises consultation with legal counsel regarding potential exposure to U.S. or other international sanctions before proceeding to Ras Isa or similar ports under Houthi control.
Source: PMA Marine Notice