March 8, 2026
March 8, 2026
His Excellency the Minister of Transport, Mr. Mohsen Haidera Al-Amri, chaired a meeting today at Aden Ports Development Company (ِAden Container Terminal) to discuss the progress of work at the port, the level of operational performance, and to address the challenges and difficulties facing its operations.
At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency the Minister of Transport conveyed the greetings of His Excellency the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad Muhammad Al-Alimi, and His Excellency the Prime Minister, Dr. Shaya Al-Zindani, and their continued commitment to monitoring the performance of service sectors, especially the transport sector, given its direct link to the needs of citizens and its vital role in supporting the national economy.
Minister Al-Amri emphasized the strategic importance of the Port of Aden, which was considered the second most important global port during the last century thanks to its prime geographical location on international shipping lanes. He indicated that the Ministry would work, within its available resources, to support efforts aimed at restoring the port's prominence and enhancing its commercial and logistical activity.
His Excellency also highlighted the crucial role of the Ministry of Transport and its affiliated sectors in revitalizing maritime transport and strengthening its contribution to the national economy. He reiterated the Ministry's commitment and full support for all efforts to develop the port and improve its performance, which will positively impact the level of services and the scale of achievements. He called for redoubled efforts and teamwork.
The Minister of Transport reviewed the latest developments in the country and the region and their repercussions on trade and maritime transport. He highlighted the efforts of the Presidential Leadership Council and the government to normalize the situation, improve services, provide essential supplies, and ensure the flow of food, oil, and gas to local markets. He explained that the Ministry is pursuing all legal avenues and procedures to address the issues related to increased fees imposed on shipping companies operating in Yemeni ports, thereby easing the burden on traders and importers and enhancing the competitiveness of Yemeni ports.
Minister Al-Amri indicated that a new memorandum is being prepared for the Evacuation Cell and relevant authorities to address the difficulties faced by traders and importers. He also mentioned the development of a mechanism to implement Resolution No. (11) of 2025 concerning the closure of illegal ports, ensuring the preservation of national security and protecting the country from smuggling and other illegal activities.
His Excellency the Minister of Transport affirmed the magnitude of the challenges facing the government at this stage, emphasizing the Ministry's commitment to actively contributing to the implementation of the government's general program. He also commended the efforts exerted by the leadership of the Aden Gulf Ports Corporation and its staff, stressing the importance of redoubling efforts to enhance performance and improve services.
For his part, Dr. Mohammed Amzarba, the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation, welcomed His Excellency the Minister of Transport's visit and his interest in directly observing operations at the container terminal. He reviewed the port's most significant achievements during the past year, noting that port activity in 2025 increased by 25 percent compared to 2024.
He pointed to several developmental steps the port has witnessed, including the reopening of the Malla terminal and the signing of agreements with several major Chinese companies to resume transit activity at the port. He also mentioned the commencement of the second phase of the port entrances development project and the port crew's ability to berth three ships simultaneously. He noted a number of challenges that still hinder the port's expansion and proposed the establishment of a joint fund between the government and the private sector to support infrastructure development and enhance the port's operational capabilities.
The meeting included a presentation by Dr. Ashraf Qardash, Commercial Director of Aden Ports Development Company, who reviewed the strategic geographical location of the Port of Aden and its importance to international shipping lines. He also highlighted the port's competitive advantages in terms of handling and storage capacity, logistical services, safety standards, and available equipment and technical facilities. The meeting was attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Maritime Affairs and Ports, Captain Ali Al-Subhi; the Director General of Aden Ports Development Company, Mr. Aref Al-Shaabi; the Deputy Director General of the company, Mr. Fadhl Al-Hujaili; the Director of Security for the Free Zone, Mr. Salim Al-Mahthouthi; and a number of officials from the container terminal.
His Excellency the Minister of Transport, Mr. Mohsen Haidera Al-Amri, also inspected the progress of work at several facilities within the container terminal, reviewing the level of services provided and the operational and handling mechanisms. He emphasized the need to continue developing performance and raising work efficiency to enhance the Port of Aden's position as a vital maritime and commercial hub in the region.
(Source: Ministry of Transport Official Page)
