His Excellency Yoichi Nakashima, Ambassador of Japan to Yemen, conducted a comprehensive field visit to Aden Port on Tuesday, focusing on vital projects funded by the Japanese government to enhance the port’s capabilities and pivotal role.
The visit commenced at 3:00 PM with Ambassador Nakashima’s arrival at Ma’alla Wharves, where he observed port operations firsthand. He was received by:
Captain Ali Al-Subhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Maritime Affairs and Ports;
Engineer Abdulrab Al-Khulaqui, Deputy CEO of Aden Port;
Captain Shafie Al-Hariri, Director General of Wharves and Yards, alongside other port leaders.
Engineer Al-Khulaqui led the delegation on a tour of Ma’alla Wharf facilities, highlighting the Japanese-funded cargo warehouse rehabilitation project. He emphasized its "critical strategic importance," stating: "This upgrade facilitates the reception of essential relief supplies, directly accelerating ship unloading and reducing vessel waiting times at the wharf," underscoring its role in enhancing humanitarian service efficiency.
The delegation then proceeded to the Technical & Engineering Workshop in Al-Tawahi City – a key maintenance hub for marine/land vehicles and infrastructure. Ambassador Nakashima received a detailed briefing on severe damage sustained by the facility and ongoing Japanese funding to rehabilitate its marine maintenance workshop (mechanical/electrical sections). A presentation showcased the workshop’s operations, notably its main slipway as a vital asset, followed by an extensive discussion on the port’s revenue-generation role with engineers led by Deputy Manager Eng. Mohamed Saleh.
At the Marine Operations Control Tower, the Ambassador heard from Captain Hani Abdul Moti about the advanced vessel-tracking system funded by UNDP (2022). Expressing admiration, H.E. Nakashima remarked: "I witnessed the staff’s keen interest and practical utilization of this support," applauding efforts to develop operational infrastructure.
