The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen and the Government of Japan have inked a $5 million agreement to improve the efficiency of the Port of Aden. Building on the success of the first phase of the project, this new project includes the renovation of the marine workshop as well as the acquisition of a mooring boat and two mobile maintenance workshops, all with the goal of increasing the efficiency and safety of vessels that use the port.
This new initiative expands on Japan's earlier contribution, which restored two transit sheds at the Port of Aden and installed wireless internet with portable communication devices at the Aden Container Terminal. Both stages of the project were planned in collaboration with port authorities to ensure focused, positive assistance for local development.
The Port of Aden is a major entry point for goods into Yemen, which is critical for ensuring economic, humanitarian, and recovery efforts, particularly because the majority of the country's food supply is imported. Unfortunately, this crucial port has been crippled by prolonged conflict and a lack of maintenance, resulting in limited operational capacity to accommodate arriving boats and in long waiting periods.