The Japanese government announced on Monday, September 16, 2024, a grant of 793 million Japanese yen (approximately $5 million) to Yemen, to support the "second phase of the Aden Port Efficiency Improvement Project." The grant will be channeled through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The announcement was made by the Japanese Embassy in Yemen, where Acting Ambassador Higashi Kazuhiro exchanged a memorandum of understanding with the UNDP Resident Representative in Yemen, Zeina Mohammed, for the project's second phase.

The project aims to enhance the logistical efficiency of Aden Port, including the establishment of a streamlined management system for its maintenance. It also seeks to bolster the port's capacity to maintain its facilities and infrastructure, thereby facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid and commercial goods into Aden. This will be achieved through the restoration of maritime workshops, the provision of mobile maintenance facilities, and the docking of a ship at the port, all of which will contribute to supporting Yemen's reconstruction efforts.

The statement highlighted that the project provides additional support to Aden Port, which previously received Japanese funding in 2022 through the "Aden Port Efficiency Improvement Project." This earlier grant aimed to encourage the Yemeni government's efforts to strengthen the role of Aden, the temporary capital city.

The embassy reiterated the Japanese government's commitment to actively pursuing efforts, in collaboration with the United Nations and other relevant countries, to achieve peace and stability in Yemen.

In a separate development, the UNDP and the Aden Gulf Ports Authority announced on August 15, 2024, the successful completion of the rehabilitation of two cargo transit sheds at Aden Port.

The program stated that this rehabilitation was part of the UNDP's "Aden Port Efficiency Improvement Project" in Yemen, funded generously by the Japanese government. The project aims to strengthen the port's capacity through more efficient infrastructure.

According to the program, the rehabilitation of the transit sheds commenced in August 2023 and was completed in July 2024. Each shed measures 170 meters in length and 60 meters in width, providing ample space for storing thousands of tons of cargo. This will reduce ship waiting times and increase handling capacity. The project will further enhance the port's efficiency by digitizing the Aden Container Terminal through the installation of a wireless communication system.