WILLEMSTAD - Humberto de Castro, director of the ports in Curaçao, has highlighted a notable increase in the number of ships arriving at the island, signaling positive developments for the local maritime sector. According to De Castro, there has been a significant four percent rise in ship arrivals compared to previous years, underscoring the robust performance of Curaçao's ports amidst current economic conditions.
"The uptick in maritime traffic is a crucial indicator of our ports' strong operational capabilities," De Castro stated. He emphasized that increased ship visits not only bolster port activities but also have a favorable impact on the island's economy as a whole.
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Curaçao annually hosted around 800,000 cruise tourists. De Castro noted, "This year, we are nearing this benchmark once more, achieving an impressive occupancy rate of 90 percent. We anticipate surpassing pre-COVID figures, reflecting a rebound in the tourism sector."
Curaçao's ports have strategically positioned themselves as key hubs in the Caribbean, attracting a growing number of cruise liners and cargo vessels. The rise in ship arrivals underscores the island's resilience and recovery efforts in the face of global challenges, contributing positively to its economic revival.
Local authorities remain optimistic about the future trajectory of maritime activities in Curaçao, citing ongoing efforts to enhance port infrastructure and services to meet increasing demand from both cruise lines and commercial shipping.
For further updates on Curaçao's maritime developments, stakeholders and the public are encouraged to follow updates from the Curaçao Ports Authority and related government agencies.