Hodeidah — Houthi-affiliated authorities in western Yemen have ramped up efforts to rehabilitate and expand the strategic ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif, aiming to boost their capacity to receive commercial vessels and facilitate regional trade.

According to local sources and recent reports, the Houthis have begun constructing new berths and upgrading port infrastructure damaged in previous airstrikes and years of conflict. The initiative includes the reactivation of logistics centers and the opening of direct shipping lanes from multiple Arab and international ports.

Officials from the Hodeidah District Shipping Bureau have called on merchants and importers to take advantage of the new maritime routes, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing trade amid Yemen’s economic crisis. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate control over key economic assets and reduce reliance on land-based supply chains vulnerable to military disruption.

Despite ongoing concerns over the dual-use nature of the ports—previously accused of facilitating arms smuggling and military operations—the ports remain operational and have resumed activity following recent Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged Iranian-backed infrastructure.

Observers note that the Houthis’ port expansion efforts could reshape maritime dynamics in the Red Sea, especially as international shipping companies reassess risk levels in the region. Humanitarian agencies have also expressed cautious optimism, hoping improved port access might ease the flow of aid and commercial goods into northern Yemen.

No independent verification has been provided regarding the technical specifications or completion timeline of the new berths.