The port of Hodeidah in Yemen is set for expansion at a cost of $300 million, which will include the deepening of the navigation channel, according to a report.

The expansion will include the deepening of the navigation channel up to a depth of 12 metres in the first stage and the construction of a new 600-m long container terminal, said the Al Thawra News report.

Hodeidah is the fourth largest city in Yemen. Situated on the Red Sea, it is an important port, exporting coffee, cotton, dates and hides.

The project will bring higher revenues to the port and customs department, along with creating new job opportunities, it said.

The project will bring the port  at par with other regional ports and it will be able to cope with the projected increase in import and export of goods and commodities and construction materials, it added.