The dark blue stone conical tower of the lighthouse at Ras Marshag Promontory was built in 1866 by Chance Brothers, lighthouse engineers, of Birmingham, England. It had been commissioned by the Government of Bombay who were at that time administering Aden.

The lighthouse was first lighted in 1867, producing just a few candlepower from its coconut-oil burner, fixed lamp. In 1889 it was updated with a new multiple-burner, mineral oil pressure lamp which increased the brightness and reduced the operating cost. It was around this time that the Aden Port Trust came into being and on June 8, 1889 the lighthouse was officially handed over by the government executive engineer to the Port Officer.

An early photo. Taken 1920-1940

The light is 244 feet in height from high water and the building itself is 85 feet from base to vane. 

A later photo taken 1950-1960

The conversion work was overseen by Mr. Fred Tickle of Chance Brothers who had come from England to undertake the month-long task. On the night of 27th February 1904 the Royal Indian Marine steamer Dalhousie was chartered to convey a party of Aden's notables to witness the relighting event. It was a great success and they celebrated with a dinner aboard the Dalhousie.

But shortly after Mr. Tickle had returned to England the light failed and a government enquiry followed.