GoogleEarth satellite imagery is showing a new military camp and the construction of a new port facility at Assab airport in Eritrea. Al Khatem, a dredger operated by the UAE's National Marine Dredging Company, can be seen operating at the site.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) appears to be constructing a new port next to Assab International Airport in Eritrea, which could become its first permanent military base in a foreign country.

Satellite imagery shows rapid progress has been made since work began sometime after September 2015. A square of coastline measuring about 250x250 m has already been excavated and dredged, while a pier and/or breakwater is being constructed and already extends over 700 m from the original coastline.

IHS Maritime & Trade data show that two vessels are currently working at the site. While neither have IMO numbers, one that has been at the site since 16 February.