April 26, 2026
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister, Dr. Shaya'a Mohsen Al-Zindani, His Excellency the Minister of Transport, Mr. Mohsen Al-Amri, along with Dr. Mohammed Alawi Amzarbah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of YGAPC, Captain Ali Al-Subhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Maritime and Port Affairs, and Mr. Khaled Al-Ja'milani, Undersecretary of Transport in Aden Governorate, laid the foundation stone today for the second phase of the Aden Port entrances development project, which is being self-funded by the Corporation.
During the foundation stone laying ceremony, Minister of Transport Mohsen Haidera Al-Amri emphasized that the Port of Aden entrances expansion project represents a significant step in developing the port's infrastructure and enhancing its operational capacity. He noted that the project had faced delays in the past before being recently brought to the attention of the Prime Minister, who directed its swift implementation due to its strategic importance, with self-financing from the Corporation's funds.
The Minister explained that the project is one of the most prominent achievements within a package of development projects currently underway in the transport and ports sector. These projects include the ports of Brom, Al-Rayyan, and Qarm in Socotra, in addition to several other stalled projects that are being reactivated during this phase.
He expressed his hope that this step will contribute to gradually restoring the Port of Aden to its natural and historical position by enhancing its operational efficiency, raising the level of services provided to ships and shipping lines, and increasing its capacity to accommodate growing trade. This will strengthen its vital role as a pivotal port in the region and contribute to stimulating economic and commercial activity and supporting the national economy.
In closing, the Minister of Transport wished all employees of the Aden Gulf Ports Corporation success and expressed his aspiration to implement larger projects that contribute to developing the ports sector and serving the national economy.
For his part, Dr. Mohammed Alawi Amzarbah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of YGAPC, affirmed that the Port of Aden entrances development project is a crucial strategic infrastructure project. He noted that it will represent a qualitative leap in developing operations and raising operational efficiency at the port. Dr. Amzarbah explained that the project will facilitate the movement of trucks entering and exiting ports, thereby enhancing the efficiency of handling, loading, and unloading operations and reducing vessel turnaround time. This, in turn, will positively impact shipping costs and improve the quality of maritime services.
He noted that the project includes development work along approximately one kilometer of Ma'alla port and three and a half kilometers of Caltex port. He explained that the first phase was completed in previous years, while the second phase is being launched following the completion of procedures and public tenders, with the support of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Transport.
He emphasized that development and modernization efforts at the ports of Aden enjoy continuous government support. Work is underway on several other vital projects, including a maintenance workshop in the technical department and the reconstruction of the tourist pier, in addition to other projects that will be tendered and implemented according to specific timelines. This will contribute to strengthening the position of the Port of Aden and restoring its economic and commercial role. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Corporation expressed his appreciation for the government's continued support and its commitment to enhancing the Corporation's operational capabilities and developing its infrastructure. He emphasized that this support has played a pivotal role in accelerating the implementation of vital projects, most notably the project to develop the entrances to the Port of Aden, which will contribute to increased efficiency and improved services at the port.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Maritime and Port Affairs, Ali Al-Subhi, noted that this project will facilitate the smooth flow of trucks entering and exiting the port, reducing traffic congestion within and around the port. This will positively impact operational efficiency, thereby increasing the port's capacity to receive and handle goods more smoothly and effectively.
He highly commended the Prime Minister's support in approving this vital project through self-financing, reflecting the significant interest in developing the ports sector and strengthening its economic role. He wished everyone success in implementing this strategic project, which will serve the national economy. The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Maritime and Port Affairs, Captain Ali Al-Subhi; the Undersecretary of Aden Governorate for Transport, Khalid Al-Ja'imlani; the Director General of the Maritime Department, Captain Shakib Abdul Wahid; his deputy, Captain Ahmed Al-Bishi; the Director General of Wharves and Yards, Shafi' Al-Hariri; his deputy, Mahdi Al-Daghari; the Advisor at YGAPC, Mohammed Haidara; the Advisor at Wharves and Yards, Mohsen Al-Hats; and a number of officials from the Ministry of Transport and the Corporation.
