Yemeni ports in bad shape

(Posted on 26/04/21)

Port capacity in Yemen has been greatly reduced by the war raging there. As a result, the supply of basic needs such as food, medicines and fuels is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive. This is according to a damage and capacity analysis of the port infrastructure and operations carried out by the Port of Rotterdam Authority on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

In 2019 and late 2020 the Port of Rotterdam Authority conducted a damage and capacity analysis of port infrastructure and operations in the ports of Aden, Hodeidah, Saleef, Ras Isa and Mukalla. Based on the findings, it put forward proposals for operational improvements and restoration of the port infrastructure. It also came up with proposals aimed at improving the management and maintenance of these ports.

The damage and capacity analyses reveal a severe reduction in port capacity, compounded by a lack of maintenance due to the absence of specialist knowledge in the areas of port operations, management and maintenance. The long-running war means the necessary spare parts and specialist knowledge are either non-existent or in very short supply.

In line with its social responsibility policy and at the request of the Dutch government or organisations such as the UNDP, the Port of Rotterdam Authority regularly collaborates on humanitarian operations such as the ones taking place in Yemen. The Port of Rotterdam Authority shares maritime knowledge and expertise worldwide, acting sometimes as a consultant or a supplier, and sometimes as an administrator or investor.