Shipping Arabia, October 15, 2026 – Yemen is accelerating preparations for the Qarma and Barum port projects in the Socotra Archipelago and Hadramout governorates, with government officials working to finalize technical, financial and administrative requirements ahead of tendering and construction.
The developments were discussed during a joint ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Transport headquarters in Aden. The meeting brought together Minister of Transport Mohsen Haidara Al-Amri, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mohammed Al-Faqmi, and Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries Salem Al-Soqotri.
The discussions focused on accelerating the remaining procedures needed to begin constructing Qarma Port in Socotra and Barum Port in Hadramout. Both projects are intended to strengthen maritime transport, support commercial activities and improve economic infrastructure in their respective governorates.
Qarma and Barum Port Projects Move Toward Implementation
During the meeting, officials reviewed updated procedures agreed upon in previous discussions concerning the two port developments.
These included updating essential project data and components, completing technical and engineering consultancy requirements, and reviewing existing studies and designs.
The ministries also discussed revisions to the estimated project costs and proposed implementation schedules. These updates form part of the outstanding preparations needed before the projects can advance to procurement and construction.
Minister of Transport Al-Amri emphasized the strategic importance of the two ports for maritime transport and commercial activities in Socotra and Hadramout.
He called for accelerating the remaining implementation procedures to enable construction to begin as soon as possible. He also stressed the importance of completing previously revised requirements to facilitate the transition to implementation and ensure that funding allocated to the projects can be utilized.
The minister highlighted the need for coordinated action among the relevant government bodies to prevent further delays in completing the necessary preparations.
Yemen to Seek Donor Support for Port Development
Financing formed another major component of the discussions, with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation outlining plans to seek additional international support for the projects.
Minister Mohammed Al-Faqmi emphasized the importance of Qarma and Barum ports in strengthening Yemen’s transport sector, improving services and developing economic infrastructure in Socotra and Hadramout.
He confirmed that the ministry intends to present both developments as priority projects during bilateral meetings with international donors on the sidelines of the World Bank’s Annual Meetings, scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand.
The planned discussions will focus on mobilizing the financing required to advance the projects and complete the remaining activities and procedures associated with their implementation.
The government’s approach combines efforts to finalize technical preparations with parallel discussions aimed at securing the financial resources needed for construction.
New Ports Expected to Support Fisheries and Coastal Communities
The Qarma and Barum port projects are also expected to contribute to fisheries development and economic activity in their respective coastal regions.
Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries Salem Al-Soqotri highlighted the role of both developments in improving services for fishermen and supporting coastal communities in Socotra and Hadramout.
He explained that the proposed ports would help strengthen fisheries-related activities while encouraging investment and supporting the development of local economic resources.
The minister also stressed the importance of coordination and integration among the government entities responsible for the projects.
He called for completing outstanding technical and implementation requirements to accelerate construction in accordance with approved specifications and standards.
The fisheries and economic development objectives form an important part of the government’s plans for both ports, alongside their expected contribution to maritime transport and commercial connectivity.
Technical Committee to Finalize Documents Before Tendering
At the conclusion of the meeting, the participating ministers agreed to intensify the work of the joint technical committee responsible for coordinating the Qarma and Barum port projects.
The committee, which includes representatives of the relevant government entities, will focus on completing outstanding studies, technical documentation and financial requirements.
Officials also agreed on the importance of following the established procedures and implementation schedules to accelerate preparations for tendering.
Once the remaining requirements have been completed, the project files will be referred to the relevant tender committee to proceed with the procurement process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The meeting also included senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the Arabian Sea Ports Corporation and the General Maritime Affairs Authority.
Among the participants were Captain Ali Al-Subhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Maritime Affairs and Ports; Fouad Al-Rabaki, Deputy Chairman of the Arabian Sea Ports Corporation; and Nabil bin Aifan, Director General of the General Maritime Affairs Authority’s Mukalla branch.
Other participants included representatives responsible for project management, maritime transport policy, engineering and administrative follow-up.
The agreement to accelerate technical preparations and move toward tendering represents the latest step in advancing the two planned ports. However, the government has not announced specific construction commencement dates or confirmed final investment values.
The projects remain a priority for the participating ministries, which aim to improve maritime infrastructure, strengthen commercial and fisheries activities, and support economic development in Socotra and Hadramout.
Source: Yemeni Ministry of Transport
