Yemen, strategically located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, boasts several important ports that serve as crucial gateways for trade and commerce in the region. These ports play a significant role in facilitating the import and export of goods, including oil, food, and other essential commodities. Despite challenges posed by political instability and conflict, Yemen’s ports remain vital for the country’s economy. Below is a list of the most important ports in Yemen, listed by importance, along with their respective locations, latitude, and longitude coordinates.
List of Largest Ports in Yemen
| Port Name | Type of Cargo | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Aden | General Cargo | 250 |
| Port of Hodeidah | General Cargo | 200 |
| Port of Mukalla | General Cargo | 150 |
| Port of Mocha | General Cargo | 120 |
| Port of Saleef | General Cargo | 100 |
| Port of Ras Isa | General Cargo | 90 |
| Port of Balhaf | Oil Tankers | 80 |
| Port of Al-Mukha | General Cargo | 70 |
| Port of Ash Shihr | General Cargo | 60 |
| Port of Aden Container Terminal | Container | 50 |
| Port of Al Hudaydah | General Cargo | 40 |
| Port of Socotra | General Cargo | 30 |
| Port of Nishtun | General Cargo | 20 |
| Port of Al-Mukalla | General Cargo | 15 |
| Port of Balhaf | Liquefied Natural Gas | 10 |
Major Ports of Yemen
1. Port of Aden
The Port of Aden is one of Yemen’s largest and historically most significant ports, acting as a natural transit point for ships passing between the East and West. Located strategically by the Gulf of Aden, it has a natural deep-water harbor and has been a major maritime hub since ancient times. The port handles a wide variety of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and oil. Its free zone area encourages trade by offering various business incentives.
City Location: Aden
Latitude: 12.7794° N
Longitude: 45.0367° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Taiz | 140 | Highway 45 |
| Lahij | 40 | Highway 40 |
| Zinjibar | 60 | Highway 1001 |
| Al Mukalla | 480 | Highway 1001 |
| Ibb | 170 | Highway 45 |
| Dhamar | 240 | Highway 45 |
| Sana’a | 345 | Highway 45 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Aden Station (10 km)
- Little Aden Station (15 km)
- Al Buraiqeh Station (12 km)
- Crater Station (9 km)
- Sheikh Othman Station (8 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 25 |
| February | 26 |
| March | 28 |
| April | 30 |
| May | 32 |
| June | 34 |
| July | 33 |
| August | 32 |
| September | 32 |
| October | 30 |
| November | 28 |
| December | 26 |
2. Port of Hodeidah
The Port of Hodeidah is Yemen’s primary Red Sea port and is critical for handling the majority of the country’s imports, including food and humanitarian aid. The port’s strategic importance cannot be overstated, especially given Yemen’s current humanitarian needs. It features extensive warehouse and container handling facilities, making it a vital asset in the ongoing relief efforts and general trade.
City Location: Hodeidah
Latitude: 14.7978° N
Longitude: 42.9530° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Sana’a | 226 | Highway 50 |
| Hajjah | 130 | Highway 5000 |
| Al Mahwit | 180 | Highway 5030 |
| Taiz | 220 | Highway 50 |
| Ibb | 194 | Highway 50 |
| Dhamar | 274 | Highway 50 |
| Al Mukalla | 570 | Highway 5050 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Hodeidah Station (2 km)
- Bajil Station (70 km)
- Zabid Station (90 km)
- Al Hudaydah Airport Station (10 km)
- Saleef Station (60 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 23 |
| February | 24 |
| March | 26 |
| April | 28 |
| May | 30 |
| June | 31 |
| July | 32 |
| August | 32 |
| September | 31 |
| October | 29 |
| November | 26 |
| December | 24 |
3. Port of Mukalla
The Port of Mukalla, located on the Gulf of Aden, serves as the main seaport for the Hadhramaut region in eastern Yemen. This port is crucial for handling the region’s imports and exports, including local goods such as fish, dates, and livestock. The port has seen upgrades to increase its cargo handling capacity and improve its facilities to boost the local economy.
City Location: Al Mukalla
Latitude: 14.5309° N
Longitude: 49.1314° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Seiyun | 240 | Highway 301 |
| Tarim | 200 | Highway 401 |
| Ash Shihr | 50 | Highway 401 |
| Al Ghaydah | 540 | Highway 401 |
| Sayhut | 380 | Secondary Roads |
| Shibam | 220 | Highway 401 |
| Hadibu | 650 | Secondary Roads |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Mukalla Station (3 km)
- Ghayl Ba Wazir Station (15 km)
- Ash Shihr Station (55 km)
- Qishn Station (300 km)
- Sayhut Station (385 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 24 |
| February | 25 |
| March | 27 |
| April | 29 |
| May | 31 |
| June | 33 |
| July | 32 |
| August | 31 |
| September | 30 |
| October | 28 |
| November | 26 |
| December | 24 |
4. Port of Salif
The Port of Salif is positioned strategically on the Red Sea and is primarily focused on bulk and container shipping. It plays an essential role in Yemen’s economy, particularly in the importation of grain, which is handled through its specialized grain handling facilities. The port’s proximity to Sana’a makes it pivotal in distributing goods throughout the northern regions of Yemen.
City Location: Salif
Latitude: 15.3256° N
Longitude: 42.6833° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Hodeidah | 60 | Highway 5050 |
| Hajjah | 90 | Highway 5030 |
| Sana’a | 226 | Highway 50 |
| Al Mahwit | 160 | Highway 5030 |
| Taiz | 260 | Highway 50 |
| Ibb | 234 | Highway 50 |
| Dhamar | 314 | Highway 50 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Salif Station (5 km)
- Saleef Port Station (3 km)
- Hodeidah Station (62 km)
- Bajil Station (102 km)
- Al Hudaydah Airport Station (72 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 22 |
| February | 23 |
| March | 25 |
| April | 27 |
| May | 29 |
| June | 30 |
| July | 31 |
| August | 31 |
| September | 30 |
| October | 28 |
| November | 25 |
| December | 23 |
5. Port of Mocha
Port of Mocha, historically famous as the major marketplace for coffee (Mocha coffee), remains an important regional port. Situated on the Red Sea, it is smaller than other major ports but plays a crucial role in local trade and fishing activities. The port is part of the broader development plan to revitalize Yemen’s coffee trade and enhance economic growth in the Tihama region.
City Location: Mocha
Latitude: 13.3107° N
Longitude: 43.2473° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Taiz | 90 | Highway 500 |
| Hodeidah | 170 | Highway 50 |
| Ibb | 120 | Highway 500 |
| Lahij | 160 | Highway 50 |
| Dhamar | 190 | Highway 500 |
| Sana’a | 295 | Highway 50 |
| Zinjibar | 250 | Highway 1001 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Mocha Station (2 km)
- Taiz Station (95 km)
- Hodeidah Station (172 km)
- Ibb Station (125 km)
- Lahij Station (165 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 24 |
| February | 25 |
| March | 27 |
| April | 29 |
| May | 31 |
| June | 33 |
| July | 34 |
| August | 34 |
| September | 33 |
| October | 30 |
| November | 27 |
| December | 25 |
6. Port of Nishtun
Nishtun Port, located in the far eastern part of Yemen on the Arabian Sea, is a relatively quiet port mainly used for fishing and small-scale trading. The port serves the remote communities of eastern Yemen and is vital for the local economy, which is heavily dependent on fishing and small trade vessels.
City Location: Nishtun
Latitude: 15.9414° N
Longitude: 52.3294° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Al Ghaydah | 150 | Highway 401 |
| Sayhut | 220 | Secondary Roads |
| Mukalla | 650 | Highway 401 |
| Ash Shihr | 600 | Highway 401 |
| Seiyun | 690 | Highway 401 |
| Tarim | 720 | Highway 401 |
| Shibam | 680 | Highway 401 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Nishtun Station (3 km)
- Al Ghaydah Station (152 km)
- Sayhut Station (225 km)
- Mukalla Station (655 km)
- Ash Shihr Station (605 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 23 |
| February | 24 |
| March | 26 |
| April | 28 |
| May | 30 |
| June | 32 |
| July | 33 |
| August | 33 |
| September | 32 |
| October | 30 |
| November | 27 |
| December | 24 |
7. Port of Ras Isa
Port of Ras Isa is predominantly known for its role in the oil industry. It hosts a marine terminal that is crucial for the exportation of Yemen’s crude oil. The port is strategically located on the Red Sea and is connected to Yemen’s oil fields via pipelines. This terminal is vital for the economic stability of Yemen, facilitating the primary export that funds much of the country’s budget.
City Location: Ras Isa
Latitude: 15.1167° N
Longitude: 42.7000° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Hodeidah | 70 | Highway 5050 |
| Sana’a | 236 | Highway 50 |
| Hajjah | 130 | Highway 5030 |
| Al Mahwit | 170 | Highway 5030 |
| Taiz | 270 | Highway 50 |
| Ibb | 244 | Highway 50 |
| Dhamar | 324 | Highway 50 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Ras Isa Station (1 km)
- Hodeidah Station (72 km)
- Bajil Station (112 km)
- Al Hudaydah Airport Station (82 km)
- Saleef Station (15 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 23 |
| February | 24 |
| March | 26 |
| April | 28 |
| May | 30 |
| June | 31 |
| July | 32 |
| August | 32 |
| September | 31 |
| October | 29 |
| November | 26 |
| December | 24 |
8. Port of Al Hudaydah
Al Hudaydah Port serves as a critical entry point for humanitarian aid and commercial imports, which are vital under the current conflict conditions in Yemen. This port’s strategic importance for delivering food, medicine, and other essential supplies cannot be overstated. It is equipped to handle a large volume of cargo and has specialized facilities for handling containerized and bulk shipments.
City Location: Al Hudaydah
Latitude: 14.7979° N
Longitude: 42.9529° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Sana’a | 226 | Highway 50 |
| Hajjah | 130 | Highway 5000 |
| Al Mahwit | 180 | Highway 5030 |
| Taiz | 220 | Highway 50 |
| Ibb | 194 | Highway 50 |
| Dhamar | 274 | Highway 50 |
| Ras Isa | 70 | Highway 5050 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Al Hudaydah Station (3 km)
- Bajil Station (73 km)
- Zabid Station (93 km)
- Al Hudaydah Airport Station (13 km)
- Saleef Station (63 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 23 |
| February | 24 |
| March | 26 |
| April | 28 |
| May | 30 |
| June | 31 |
| July | 32 |
| August | 32 |
| September | 31 |
| October | 29 |
| November | 26 |
| December | 24 |
9. Port of Ash Shihr
The Port of Ash Shihr, located on the Arabian Sea, primarily handles petroleum products and is an important export hub for Yemen’s oil industry. The port is equipped with extensive oil storage facilities and is connected by pipelines to the oil fields in the interior. Ash Shihr’s role is vital in the economic structure of Yemen, especially in the energy sector.
City Location: Ash Shihr
Latitude: 14.7586° N
Longitude: 49.6064° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Mukalla | 50 | Highway 401 |
| Seiyun | 190 | Highway 301 |
| Tarim | 150 | Highway 401 |
| Al Ghaydah | 490 | Highway 401 |
| Sayhut | 330 | Secondary Roads |
| Shibam | 170 | Highway 401 |
| Hadibu | 650 | Secondary Roads |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Ash Shihr Station (4 km)
- Mukalla Station (55 km)
- Ghayl Ba Wazir Station (65 km)
- Seiyun Station (195 km)
- Tarim Station (155 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 24 |
| February | 25 |
| March | 27 |
| April | 29 |
| May | 31 |
| June | 33 |
| July | 34 |
| August | 34 |
| September | 33 |
| October | 30 |
| November | 27 |
| December | 25 |
10. Port of Mayfa’ah
Port of Mayfa’ah, located on the southern coast of Yemen near the Gulf of Aden, primarily serves the fishing industry and small-scale cargo shipments. This port is crucial for the local economy, facilitating trade and providing employment opportunities. It’s also a point of entry for goods coming from the Horn of Africa, enhancing its strategic importance in the region.
City Location: Mayfa’ah
Latitude: 13.8667° N
Longitude: 46.8333° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Ataq | 100 | Highway 4 |
| Shabwah | 120 | Highway 4 |
| Mukalla | 310 | Highway 401 |
| Seiyun | 230 | Highway 4 |
| Tarim | 290 | Highway 401 |
| Al Ghaydah | 630 | Highway 401 |
| Sayhut | 470 | Secondary Roads |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Mayfa’ah Station (2 km)
- Ataq Station (105 km)
- Shabwah Station (125 km)
- Seiyun Station (235 km)
- Mukalla Station (315 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 26 |
| February | 27 |
| March | 29 |
| April | 31 |
| May | 33 |
| June | 35 |
| July | 35 |
| August | 34 |
| September | 33 |
| October | 31 |
| November | 29 |
| December | 27 |
11. Port of Al Mokha
Al Mokha Port, historically renowned as a major coffee-exporting hub, continues to play a significant role in Yemen’s economy. Located on the Red Sea, it is primarily focused on the export of agricultural products and seafood. The port has undergone developments to enhance its capabilities and improve the efficiency of its operations, aiming to regain its historical importance in the global coffee trade.
City Location: Al Mokha
Latitude: 13.3154° N
Longitude: 43.2473° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Taiz | 170 | Highway 50 |
| Hodeidah | 150 | Highway 50 |
| Ibb | 200 | Highway 50 |
| Dhamar | 270 | Highway 50 |
| Sana’a | 375 | Highway 50 |
| Lahij | 230 | Highway 50 |
| Zinjibar | 320 | Highway 1001 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Al Mokha Station (1 km)
- Taiz Station (175 km)
- Hodeidah Station (152 km)
- Ibb Station (205 km)
- Lahij Station (235 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 24 |
| February | 25 |
| March | 27 |
| April | 29 |
| May | 31 |
| June | 32 |
| July | 33 |
| August | 33 |
| September | 32 |
| October | 30 |
| November | 27 |
| December | 25 |
12. Port of Khawkhah
Port of Khawkhah, situated along the Red Sea, is a smaller port mainly used for fishing and local trade. It plays a critical role in supporting the livelihoods of the coastal communities. The port facilitates the movement of local produce and seafood to larger markets, thus contributing to the region’s economic stability.
City Location: Khawkhah
Latitude: 13.9667° N
Longitude: 43.2500° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Hodeidah | 120 | Highway 50 |
| Taiz | 190 | Highway 50 |
| Al Hudaydah | 110 | Highway 50 |
| Ibb | 240 | Highway 50 |
| Dhamar | 310 | Highway 50 |
| Sana’a | 415 | Highway 50 |
| Hajjah | 150 | Highway 5030 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Khawkhah Station (3 km)
- Hodeidah Station (122 km)
- Taiz Station (195 km)
- Al Hudaydah Station (115 km)
- Hajjah Station (155 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 24 |
| February | 25 |
| March | 27 |
| April | 29 |
| May | 31 |
| June | 32 |
| July | 33 |
| August | 33 |
| September | 32 |
| October | 30 |
| November | 27 |
| December | 25 |
13. Port of Balhaf
Port of Balhaf, located on the Gulf of Aden, is of paramount importance due to its role in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. As Yemen’s primary LNG export facility, Balhaf plays a critical role in the global energy market. The port features state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to handle LNG with maximum efficiency and safety, marking it as a key asset in Yemen’s economic infrastructure.
City Location: Balhaf
Latitude: 14.0990° N
Longitude: 48.6786° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Mukalla | 170 | Highway 401 |
| Ataq | 220 | Highway 4 |
| Shabwah | 240 | Highway 4 |
| Seiyun | 350 | Highway 4 |
| Tarim | 410 | Highway 401 |
| Al Ghaydah | 750 | Highway 401 |
| Sayhut | 590 | Secondary Roads |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Balhaf Station (5 km)
- Mukalla Station (175 km)
- Ataq Station (225 km)
- Shabwah Station (245 km)
- Seiyun Station (355 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 24 |
| February | 25 |
| March | 27 |
| April | 29 |
| May | 31 |
| June | 33 |
| July | 34 |
| August | 34 |
| September | 33 |
| October | 30 |
| November | 28 |
| December | 25 |
14. Port of Bir Ali
Port of Bir Ali, positioned on the southern coast near the Gulf of Aden, is a vital fishing and cargo port. It supports local and regional economies by facilitating the export of fish and agricultural products. The port is also an entry point for goods from Africa and plays a strategic role in local trade networks.
City Location: Bir Ali
Latitude: 13.9786° N
Longitude: 46.4927° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Mukalla | 200 | Highway 401 |
| Ataq | 180 | Highway 4 |
| Shabwah | 160 | Highway 4 |
| Seiyun | 270 | Highway 4 |
| Tarim | 330 | Highway 401 |
| Al Ghaydah | 670 | Highway 401 |
| Sayhut | 510 | Secondary Roads |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Bir Ali Station (4 km)
- Mukalla Station (205 km)
- Ataq Station (185 km)
- Shabwah Station (165 km)
- Seiyun Station (275 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 25 |
| February | 26 |
| March | 28 |
| April | 30 |
| May | 32 |
| June | 34 |
| July | 35 |
| August | 34 |
| September | 33 |
| October | 31 |
| November | 29 |
| December | 26 |
15. Port of Socotra
Located on the island of Socotra, this port serves as the primary maritime gateway for the Socotra Archipelago. It handles both local and international shipping, crucial for the transport of goods and passengers between the mainland and the island. The port supports the unique biodiversity and tourism of Socotra by facilitating eco-friendly development and providing essential supplies to the island’s residents and businesses.
City Location: Socotra
Latitude: 12.5031° N
Longitude: 54.0198° E
Nearby Cities:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Hadibu | 12 | Local Roads |
| Qalansiyah | 43 | Local Roads |
| Abd al Kuri | 150 (by sea) | Sea Route |
| Samha | 210 (by sea) | Sea Route |
| Darsah | 200 (by sea) | Sea Route |
| Mukalla | 380 (by sea) | Sea Route |
| Al Ghaydah | 570 (by sea) | Sea Route |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Socotra Station (2 km)
- Hadibu Station (15 km)
- Qalansiyah Station (46 km)
Average Temperatures by Month:
| Month | Avg Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 25 |
| February | 26 |
| March | 27 |
| April | 29 |
| May | 31 |
| June | 32 |
| July | 32 |
| August | 31 |
| September | 30 |
| October | 29 |
| November | 27 |
| December | 26 |