WILLEMSTAD – The Colombian Navy's ARC 24 de Julio, the largest and first naval vessel to be built entirely in Colombia, has arrived in Curaçao following a port call in Aruba. The 93-meter offshore patrol vessel is docked at the Matthey Wharf and will be open to the public free of charge through Thursday, August 6.
The visit offers residents and visitors an opportunity to tour one of the Colombian Navy's most advanced ships and learn more about its capabilities.
The vessel is named after July 24, 1823, the date of the Battle of Lake Maracaibo, a decisive victory that secured Colombia's independence. The ship represents a major achievement for Colombia's domestic shipbuilding industry and showcases the country's growing capacity to design and construct modern naval vessels.
The ARC 24 de Julio is equipped with advanced combat systems, a helicopter flight deck and unmanned aerial systems (drones), enabling it to carry out a wide range of maritime security missions.
Beyond its technological capabilities, the visit also highlights the growing cooperation between Colombia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in combating transnational crime, including drug trafficking and other illicit activities in the Caribbean region.
The ship's stay in Curaçao forms part of regional naval cooperation efforts aimed at strengthening maritime security and fostering closer ties between partner nations operating in the Caribbean. Visitors can board the vessel at the Matthey Wharf until August 6.