DP World's Aden Container Terminal receives new gantry cranes

WAM Dubai, Jun 24th, 2012 (WAM) - As part of its continued focus on efficiency and commitment to customers, DP World Aden this month received and operated an additional two gantry cranes, bringing up to seven the number of cranes at the Aden Container Terminal (ACT).

The two new Liebherrs Super Post Panamax quay cranes with a capacity of 65 tons and a reach of 22 rows of containers, further boost the capacity of ACT, operated by global marine terminal operator DP World, to receive and service large container ships in the most efficient way.

Earlier this year, ACT received and serviced the 8,441 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) MSC Tomoko, the largest container vessel ever to call at the facility, located in Yemen's premier port city.

Capt. Faisal Al Qahtani, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, Middle East, said, "We are committed to providing our customers with the most efficient service when and where they need it. DP World Aden occupies a strategic position as a gateway port to meet the needs of Yemen's importers and exporters".

Aden has one of the finest natural deep-water harbours with a depth alongside of 16 metres at berths 1 and 2. A 48 hectare terminal area supports the facility.

Yemen oil route reopens after military pullout

Sunday, 24 June 2012

SANAA (Reuters) - A road linking Yemen's capital to an oil-producing province was opened for the first time in more than a year on Sunday, after the army and tribal fighters agreed to withdraw from positions along the route, military officials said.

Yemen's Republican Guard had skirmished with tribal groups in the area, blocking deliveries of gas and other products from Maarib to the capital.

Both sides agreed to pull out after negotiations, said an official from Yemen's military committee - a body set up to separate belligerent factions of Yemen's army and tribal fighters following months of unrest in the impoverished country.

The tribal groups backed an uprising which started last year and eventually ousted Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Republican Guard is led by Saleh's son.

Their clashes have added to the insecurity in a country which has also seen repeated bombings of the Maarib oil pipeline, which feeds Yemen's main oil refinery and remains inoperative.

Saleh gave way to his deputy, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, in February under the terms of a power transfer deal brokered by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by Washington, both alarmed by the rise of al Qaeda-linked Islamists in Yemen amid the political upheaval.

Washington, which wants Hadi to unify the military and turn it against al Qaeda, backed a military offensive against Islamist strongholds in southern Yemen that began last month.

The military says it has driven Islamist fighters from towns the militants seized in early 2011. Yemen's al Qaeda branch claimed responsibility for the killing of the top military commander in the region last week.

Clash in south Yemen kills 2 soldier, 3 saboteurs

June 24, 2012

Associated Press

SANAA, Yemen –  Yemeni military officials say a gunbattle between troops and a group of men trying to sabotage a power line in the south left two soldiers and three saboteurs dead.

The officials say the gunbattle started overnight in Marib province when soldiers tried to prevent an attack on the power line but the saboteurs opened fire at them.

The officials say the army is sending in reinforcements to the area. They spoke on condition of anonymity according to regulations.

Minister of Electricity Saleh Soubai said Saturday that former president Ali Abdullah Saleh had hired men to sabotage electricity towers that feed large parts of the country with power. Sanaa has been hit by black-outs for four days now.

Yemenis rallied Sunday in several cities and towns against fuel and electricity shortages.