Image Credits: The Times of Israel
Two months after Israeli airstrikes severely damaged Yemen’s Al-Hodeida port, it remains largely inactive, according to maritime expert Eran Efrat. The attack, which occurred on July 20 in response to a Houthi drone strike that killed Israeli civilian Yevgeny Ferder and injured others, was aimed at disrupting Houthi logistics.
Efrat, who tracks shipping routes and maritime infrastructure, reported that the port’s operational capacity has significantly diminished. Initial estimates suggested the port could be operational within a week; however, ongoing assessments reveal extensive damage. “The destruction to oil and gas terminals, pipelines, and storage tanks means repairs are complex and time-consuming,” Efrat told The Jerusalem Post.
Since the Israeli strike, no major tankers have docked at Al-Hodeida. The port, a critical hub for oil and gas shipments, has been effectively shut down, with cranes damaged and operational capacity reduced to approximately 30% of its pre-attack level. Efrat’s observations indicate that the port now handles minimal unloading, with a significant drop in the frequency of tanker arrivals.
In response to the disruption at Al-Hodeida, the Houthis have turned to the Ras Isa port, a less advanced and formally closed facility. Efrat noted that Ras Isa, which lacks formal docking infrastructure, is being used to offload oil and gas via makeshift methods. This port’s limited capacity means that shipments are now processed at a much slower rate.
The continued inactivity at Al-Hodeida and the shift to Ras Isa port have raised concerns about potential further Israeli military actions. Efrat suggested that Ras Isa might become a target if the situation remains unresolved. The impact of the initial Israeli strike underscores the broader implications for regional stability and the logistics of the Houthi-controlled areas.