The Washington-based World Bank is looking for a consultant to help attract foreign investment to Aden’s port, airport and free zone in Yemen.

The Yemeni port is in need of an upgrade, having struggled with falling shipping volumes in recent years. The facility has also been entangled in a damaging commercial dispute with Dubai-based DP World, which decided to leave its role as port operator at the end of 2012.  

Consultancies have until 19 November to submit their expressions of interest (EOIs) to the World Bank. The contract will specifically cover analysis of the competitiveness of Aden’s transport infrastructure compared with other hubs in the region, and identification of ways to make the area more attractive to foreign investors.

Yemen has been working on upgrading its ports and surrounding areas since 2003, when it launched phase 1 of its World Bank-funded ports cities development programme.

The scheme is focused on investment in Aden, Hodeidah and Mukalla. Phase 1 concluded in 2010 and phase 2, partly funded by the World Bank, has begun.

As part of this second phase, Mukalla airport is being expanded to support the city’s port. A re-evaluation of bids for the civil works package began in July this year.

Yemen is also planning to expand Sanaa International airport, and a $500m construction tender is due to be issued before the end of the year. A source close to the project said final prequalification documents were submitted on 31 October and a shortlist on prequalified contractors will be drawn up before the end of the year.

There are doubts surrounding the speed of progress at Sanaa airport, with the expansion plans postponed several times due to the continued instability in the country.