SCHIEDAM – Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof has emphasized that his recent trip to the Netherlands is not a "world tour" or a vacation, but rather a strategic mission to secure the economic future of Curaçao. His goal: to diversify the island’s economy by developing the energy sector into a second major pillar alongside tourism.
During his working visit, Minister Middelhof toured Huisman Engineering Services in Schiedam, a globally recognized leader in engineering, particularly in the maritime and energy sectors. The visit included an in-depth tour of Huisman’s facilities and factories, where the world’s largest cranes are built for major companies such as Heerema and Boskalis in the Netherlands, as well as international partners.
Offshore Wind and Energy as a New Economic Engine
The purpose of the visit was not just exploratory, but technical. Middelhof sought to understand how energy infrastructure and innovation—particularly in offshore wind power—can serve as a cornerstone for Curaçao’s economic future. According to Minister Middelhof, Curaçao’s geographic position gives it a unique competitive edge: it is the only place in the world with consistently strong and stable wind conditions year-round.
Scientific research has confirmed that Curaçao has the best wind stability globally, making it an ideal site for the Caribbean’s first offshore wind park. The project is planned for the northern waters of the island—an area with minimal maritime traffic and optimal wind conditions.
Studies conducted jointly with the Netherlands have already assessed the site, seafloor conditions, water depth, and current flows. The project now awaits a decision from the appointed renewable energy working group in Curaçao to finalize the next steps.
Massive Offshore Potential
The initial phase of the offshore wind park will include 5 to 7 turbines, sufficient to stabilize Curaçao’s energy supply and generate excess capacity for export. The long-term vision, however, is much more ambitious: a park of 500 to 600 turbines.
Such a scale would not only make Curaçao self-sufficient in renewable energy but would also position the island as the only location in the Caribbean capable of producing and exporting hydrogen. According to projections, this could triple the size of Curaçao’s economy.
“From a struggling island to an exporting nation,” Minister Middelhof stated.
Strategic Cooperation
The Ministry of Economic Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of General Affairs (AZ), will oversee the realization of these energy projects. Since energy companies fall under the jurisdiction of AZ, this collaboration is key to integrating technical expertise and governmental oversight.
“Curaçao has a privileged position as one of the countries with the most stable and strong wind in the world, giving us a significant and competitive advantage to develop a clean and sustainable energy sector,” Minister Middelhof said.
“My visit to Huisman was essential. I wanted to understand the technical details of how this kind of innovation and capacity can help Curaçao. We are also exploring how Huisman’s expertise can strengthen our maritime sector and contribute to the growth of renewable energy—our second economic pillar.”
Concrete Steps Toward a Sustainable Future
These initiatives reflect the island’s ambition to diversify its economy beyond tourism. By delving into technical solutions and forging partnerships with industry leaders, Minister Middelhof is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable economic future for Curaçao.
