WILLEMSTAD – In response to mounting concerns over rising container-related fees at Curaçao Port Services (CPS), the government has issued a new ministerial regulation aimed at shielding consumers from price hikes caused by shipping delays and regional logistical challenges.
The regulation, announced this week, targets the extra costs incurred for using, retrieving, and returning containers at the island’s privately operated port. Authorities say these charges—described as a temporary "container deposit"—stem from a series of exceptional disruptions in international shipping routes but are increasingly burdening consumers by being passed on through inflated retail prices.
To counter the ripple effect on household budgets, the regulation promotes a shared-responsibility approach. Under this solidarity-based plan, CPS has agreed to suspend fees related to container handling, storage, and delivery for the duration of the emergency measures. Additionally, Customs Curaçao will waive penalties typically imposed on importers when containers remain at the terminal for more than 21 days.
Government officials emphasize that the measure will have minimal financial impact on Curaçao’s national budget. Instead, it aims to safeguard the island’s purchasing power, ensuring basic goods remain accessible despite external pressures.
The temporary regulation follows severe disruptions in supply routes from Panama and Cartagena—two vital transshipment points for Curaçao. A drought affecting transit through the Panama Canal and ongoing infrastructure issues and delays at the port of Cartagena have caused a surge of inbound containers to pile up at CPS, overwhelming the facility's limited capacity.
Locally, the port has also been grappling with operational slowdowns due to public holidays, including Carnival and Easter, compounded by a recent customs workers’ strike. The government warns that upcoming holidays may further hamper the flow of goods.
With physical space at the container yard stretched thin, CPS has been forced to stack containers, significantly slowing down processing times. In response, the company is prioritizing containers holding essential and time-sensitive cargo, such as building materials, electronics, and perishable items. This selection process is carried out in close coordination with customers to ensure critical goods are moved efficiently.
The government’s swift intervention reflects growing concerns over inflationary pressures linked to global shipping issues and underscores its commitment to protect consumers while maintaining economic stability.
