Egypt Transport Ministry: Egypt Denies Houthi TIHAMA Vessel Links

• Egypt's Transport Ministry denied any links to the TIHAMA vessel, which was targeted by Yemen's Houthi group.
• The ministry confirmed the TIHAMA sails under the Tanzanian flag and is owned by a Yemeni citizen, with its operator managed from Dubai.
• The vessel had never entered an Egyptian port, was not bound for Egypt, and carried no Egyptian cargo.
• The operating company, Blue Sea for Management Marine, is not registered or licensed to operate in Egypt.
• Egypt's ministry emphasized its ongoing monitoring of Red Sea and Mediterranean maritime security and urged media to verify information through official sources.

This unequivocal statement aims to set the record straight regarding the vessel's operational and ownership ties, firmly establishing that Egypt denies Houthi TIHAMA vessel links.

Egypt's Transport Ministry issued a definitive denial on Thursday, refuting claims that the country had any connection to the vessel TIHAMA, which was recently targeted by Yemen's Houthi group. The ministry's statement directly addressed reports and social media posts suggesting an Egyptian link to the ship, particularly allegations that its operating company was based in Alexandria, Egypt.

The official communication from the Egypt Transport Ministry clarified that the TIHAMA vessel had never docked at an Egyptian port, nor was it destined for Egypt. Furthermore, the ministry confirmed that the ship was not transporting any cargo belonging to Egyptian entities or individuals. This unequivocal statement aims to set the record straight regarding the vessel's operational and ownership ties, firmly establishing that Egypt denies Houthi TIHAMA vessel links.

The ministry's detailed statement provided crucial information regarding the TIHAMA vessel's identity and operational structure. It confirmed that the ship sails under the Tanzanian flag and is owned by a Yemeni citizen. The operator, identified as Blue Sea for Management Marine, conducts its management activities through its Dubai branch, further distancing its operations from Egypt.

Crucially, the ministry emphasized that Blue Sea for Management Marine is not registered with any Egyptian shipping chambers. Moreover, the company does not possess a license from Egypt's Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector, which would be required to operate as a maritime agency within Egypt. These specifics underscore the complete lack of an official or operational presence for the TIHAMA's operator within Egypt, directly countering the circulating misinformation about TIHAMA vessel ownership Egypt and Blue Sea Management Marine Egypt.

Beyond the specific denial concerning the TIHAMA, the Egyptian Transport Ministry highlighted its ongoing commitment to maritime security and oversight in the region. The ministry affirmed its continuous monitoring of all developments that could impact Egypt's territorial waters and the broader maritime traffic across both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

This vigilance extends to safeguarding the interests and safety of Egyptian shipping companies, their vessels, and seafarers operating in these critical waterways. The ministry's proactive stance on Egypt Red Sea maritime security and the safety of Egyptian shipping companies reflects a broader concern for regional stability amidst ongoing maritime threats.

In light of the inaccurate reports, the Egyptian Transport Ministry issued a strong appeal to media outlets. It urged them to meticulously verify any information pertaining to Egypt's transport sector by consulting official government sources before publishing reports.

This directive underscores the importance of accurate reporting, especially concerning sensitive maritime incidents and national interests, ensuring that the public receives verified facts from authoritative channels.

Lawyers advising clients on maritime operations or sanctions compliance in the Red Sea should note Egypt's official denial of any ties to the Houthi-targeted TIHAMA vessel, which clarifies ownership and operational facts crucial for risk assessment and due diligence. This also signals Egypt's active monitoring of regional maritime security.

Source: Original reporting via Reuters