WILLEMSTAD, THE HAGUE – During his recent working visit to the Netherlands, Curaçao’s Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof presented an ambitious plan to modernize and restructure Curaçao’s international ship registry, aiming to secure its future and attract more vessels under the island’s flag.
Minister Middelhof met with Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Robert Tieman, where he outlined Curaçao’s urgent need to overhaul the maritime registration system. According to Middelhof, the Maritime Inspectorate has been calling for reform for years, but previous administrations failed to act.
“We must improve efficiency, strengthen oversight, and ensure the safety of all vessels sailing under the Curaçaoan flag,” Middelhof stated. “Without these steps, we risk losing our place in the global maritime industry.”
Threat of Closure Averted
Middelhof’s plan is seen as a decisive move to prevent the potential closure of the registry, which has faced increasing scrutiny due to outdated procedures and weak enforcement. In a press release, the Ministry of Economic Development emphasized that the reform will not only bring the registry up to international standards, but also make it easier for ships to register, increasing competitiveness in the maritime sector.
Joint Task Force Established
A key outcome of the meeting was the formation of a joint task force to flesh out the details of the restructuring. The team will include representatives from:
Curaçao’s Ministry of Economic Development,
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management,
The Maritime Inspectorate,
As well as both public and private maritime sector stakeholders.
This working group will be responsible for drafting and implementing a streamlined, secure, and transparent registry process that meets global compliance and safety expectations.
Boosting Curaçao’s Maritime Ambitions
With this initiative, Curaçao hopes to position itself as a serious player in the international shipping industry, offering a credible and modern registry alternative. The move is especially timely as Curaçao’s maritime sector faces increased scrutiny due to concerns over compliance, including recent allegations involving ships registered under Caribbean flags being linked to sanction-evading fleets.
Middelhof’s proactive approach signals a broader commitment by the government to diversify the economy beyond tourism, with maritime services seen as a key strategic pillar.
Further updates on the registry reform process are expected in the coming months as the task force begins its work.
