Aden's ancient, natural harbor was a leading maritime center for travel between Asia and Europe
Aden, the second largest city of the country, is also Yemen's main sea port. It plays a significant role as the economic capital of the country. This port has a chequered history. Ibn Batuta and Marco Polo, the famous travelers, came here during the 11th-12th Centuries. Aden developed as a ship fueling port during the 1800s. Port services flourished after the Suez Canal was thrown open in 1869. Soon, Aden became one of the busiest ship bunkering and trading ports in the world and created its own niche by the 1950s. During the 1970s, the status of port of Aden declined due to the closure of Suez Canal and intense competition from the new ports of the area. However, the situation improved and by the end of the 1980s, Aden was again a major commercial hub.