Rehabilitation of Port of Aden

The Rehabilitation of Port of Aden is an infrastructure-focused project focused on restoring and modernizing key port facilities in southern Yemen to stimulate economic recovery in a conflict-affected context.¹
The project envisions a “revitalized and operationally efficient” Port of Aden that supports Yemen’s humanitarian and commercial needs while contributing to national economic recovery and regional trade competitiveness. The project seeks to rehabilitate essential infrastructure, notably two damaged transit sheds, and digitalize port operations to improve logistics efficiency, ensure safe storage of cargo, and reduce maritime delays. By enhancing the port’s cargo handling capacity, the initiative supports broader goals in economic resilience, humanitarian aid logistics, and trade facilitation.^{2 3}

The project includes the following components:^{4 5}

• Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Rehabilitated transit sheds, now measuring 170 meters in length and 60 meters in width each
• Operational Gains: Improved cargo storage capacity; reduced ship waiting times; increased handling capacity
• Digitalization: Installation of a wireless communication system to improve coordination and terminal management
• Sectoral Integration: Enhanced port logistics infrastructure, improved handling for humanitarian aid, and increased private sector trade throughput

The master plan’s approach is realized through the physical rehabilitation of Sheds One and Two, previously rendered unusable due to conflict. By restoring these facilities and upgrading digital systems, the project enables secure storage close to berths, eliminating the need to transfer goods to remote warehouses and accelerating ship-to-shore logistics.^{6 7}
A separate but complementary initiative includes widening and deepening of the port’s approach channel to accommodate larger vessels, expanding Aden’s long-term maritime capacity.⁸ The project also includes digital upgrades, including the introduction of a wireless communication system at the Aden Container Terminal.⁹
The project reflects resilience, operational efficiency, and inclusive economic recovery. By targeting port infrastructure, which is a critical economic node, the project ensures continuity of humanitarian flows, reduction of storage-related losses, and enhanced trade services. The project also underscores the value of international cooperation and sustainable development in post-conflict recovery.^{10 11}

The project is managed by the Yemeni government through the Ministry of Transport, working with foreign partners such as the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).^{12 13} The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development provides co-funding support, and the Yemen Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation (YGAPC) and local labor force oversee implementation.¹⁴ Development happens in stages:

• First Phase [August 2023–July 2024]: Construction and completion of transit sheds infrastructure at Port of Aden.¹⁵
• Second Phase [2024–ongoing]: Implementation of digitalization upgrades at Aden Container Terminal, with UNDP delivering technical improvements throughout 2024.^{16 17}

Although operational efficiency statistics are clearly documented, ongoing efforts are concentrated on finishing the integration of digital systems. Upcoming stages involve expanding and strengthening access channels as well as the restoration of the Port of Mukalla’s tugboat and slipway facilities.¹⁸