Curaçao (DSCu); German Crane Manufacturer Liebherr Appointed as Preferred Bidder for New Tower Cranes
WILLEMSTAD – The Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Roderick Middelhof, paid an official working visit today to Damen Shiprepair Curaçao and CDM Holding (CDMH). In the presence of representatives of KSB and Liebherr, the Minister marked two important milestones in the ongoing modernization of Curaçao’s ship repair infrastructure.
During the visit, Minister Middelhof, together with the Managing Director of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion in the Netherlands, Mr. Jeroen Heesters, formally commissioned the new KSB dock pumping systems for both the Beatrix Dock (B-Dock) and the Antillia Dock (A-Dock). This represents a crucial step in the complete renewal of the pumping installations of both dry docks.
A second key moment during the visit was the announcement that Liebherr has been appointed as the preferred bidder for the supply of new tower cranes for CDM Holding and Damen Shiprepair Curaçao. These cranes form an essential part of the further modernization of the yard and are intended to replace the existing, heavily outdated crane infrastructure, starting with Crane No. 7 at the B-Dock, which has been in operation since 1982. Its delivery will take approximately 11 months.
The planned acquisition of modern, rail-mounted tower cranes will significantly enhance the yard’s lifting capacity, safety, and operational efficiency, further strengthening Curaçao’s competitive position as a regional ship repair hub.
The commercial terms between the parties have already been agreed for the purchase of the first crane (Crane No. 7). Pending the finalization of the legal contract documentation, a Letter of Intent has been signed by the parties DSCu, CDMH, and Liebherr, formally confirming their joint commitment to this strategic project.
These developments form part of the strategic improvement program jointly launched by CDM Holding and Damen Shiprepair Curaçao in 2023, with a total investment volume of €20 million, supported in part by a Dutch government subsidy. The program focuses on the renewal of critical infrastructure and contributes to the further strengthening of Curaçao as a leading maritime service and repair platform in the region.
With the formal commissioning of the new pumping systems and the appointment of Liebherr as preferred bidder for new tower cranes, Curaçao underlines its ambition to continue investing in modern infrastructure, sustainable employment, and a future-proof ship repair sector.
