Enhanced security In Yemen’s regional waters [Archives:2003/665/Local News]

Aden, 2 September – Sources in Aden have revealed that the Yemeni government has increased security in its regional waters lately. This comes after Yemen paid a high price following the Limburg attack, which cost the country more an estimated USD 20 million monthly in addition to USD 50 million that had to be paid for insurance in banks of London in favor of international marine companies. The coast guards training programs arranged in cooperation with the US government are another indication of Yemen's continuous efforts to secure its sea borders.
Mr. Matooq Abdulbari, Deputy Manager of the Middle East Company for Marine Navigation told the Yemen Times that strong signs have emerged showing the government's seriousness in enhancing security measures in ports. This came as the second step after depositing USD 50 million as insurance to the HSBC bank in the UK.
Mr. Matooq added that “The Middle East Company and others are launching public relations campaigns through email and letters to ship owners worldwide to ensure them that Yemeni waters are now safe and that danger is over.”
According to Mr. Matooq, many of the ship owners have started checking to see if the “coast is clear” before continuing business in this region.
Consequently, modern cranes have been installed at the Hodeidah and Aden ports as a measure to improve and enhance operations there.
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