Yemen - Meeting minutes, 25 May 2026

1. Opening & Introductions
2. Logistics Cluster General Updates
3. Gaps & Needs Analysis Survey
4. Partner Discussion & Key Challenges
5. Action Points
6. AOB (Any Other Business) 

• Partners to complete and submit the Gaps & Needs Analysis Survey by 10 June 2026.
• Logistics Cluster to confirm the exact date of the Logistics and Telecommunications workshop.
• Logistics Cluster to prepare an overview of logistics corridors (shipping routes) in the next meeting.
• Logistics Cluster to conduct a warehouse mapping exercise to assess available capacities and needs.
• Logistics Cluster to explore advocacy on access to northern Yemen.

1. Opening & Introductions

• This was the first coordination meeting since August 2025, following a pause due to reduced staffing capacity and operational/context constraints within the Logistics Cluster.
• The Logistics Cluster has resumed coordination efforts with partners through regular coordination meetings (planned monthly and hybrid format in future), to identify logistics challenges, address partners’ needs, and strengthen coordination and collaboration.

2. Logistics Cluster General Updates

• The Logistics Cluster is planning to conduct a joint Logistics and ETC Cluster workshop (tentatively end of June / early July). 
• Ongoing coordination with customs authority in Aden to organize a training on customs and importation procedures for partners. Partners will be informed once more information is available.
• The Logistic Cluster is still offering the Mobile Storage Units (MSU) loan service to support the partners in increasing their storage capacity in remote areas, partners interested in loaning an MSU can contact the Logistics Cluster team via email at (yemen.logcluster@wfp.org). The Logistics Cluster team will assist partners through the process. It should be noted that MSUs are provided to partners operating in remote and hostile areas where access to commercial infrastructure is not feasible. 
• As requested by INGOs, The Logistics Cluster is exploring additional support for operations in northern Yemen, while maintaining a country-wide approach. However:
  • Due to operational constraints, support to the north may require specific considerations and adjustments (e.g., procurement and upstream delivery limitations).
  • Full operational support continues in southern Yemen, including cargo delivery through Aden port and fuel supply as needed.

3. Gaps & Needs Analysis Survey

• The Gaps & Needs Analysis (GNA) Exercise Purpose:
• Assess current partner’s capacities and logistics challenges and bottlenecks
• Update the outdated data (last assessment conducted in 2025).
• Determine priority support requirements for the northern areas of Yemen as the Hudaydah port remains non-operational as of today, with no confirmed date for resuming activities, besides that the air shipment and road transportation is not yet allowed too, the difficulties in getting the authorities transportation permission is the most challenges."
• Results will inform the Logistics Cluster’s Concept of Operations and future strategy.
• A detailed presentation of the Gaps & Needs Analysis (GNA) Form was provided, and partners were invited to share questions and highlight key challenges.
• Partners were strongly encouraged to complete the survey and provide detailed inputs, please click Yemen Logistics Cluster: Gaps & Needs Analysis 2026  to asses’ survey.
• Deadline for submission: 10 June 2026

4. Partner Discussion & Key Challenges

• Limited Access to Northern Yemen (Sana’a):

Partners reported significant challenges in delivering cargo, especially medical supplies to the North, due to:

• Limited entry points and operational restrictions.
• Limited shipping access to Hodeida Port.
• Transporting cargo from Aden to the North is not feasible in most cases, as requires multiple approvals from different authorities.
• Heavy reliance on air transport (UNHAS/ECHO flights), which is constrained by limited cargo space, scheduling constraints, and risk of disruption.
• Lack of Reliable Alternative Supply Routes
• Limited contingency options if primary routes fail (e.g. air transport).
• Need for sustainable, predictable logistics corridors for humanitarian cargo
• Storage challenges (Aden):

Insufficient storage capacity in Aden, especially for temperature-controlled items.

Overcrowding when multiple air shipments arrive simultaneously.

Suggestion:

• Warehouse sharing between partners
  • Updated warehouse mapping exercise