WILLEMSTAD — A cargo ship anchored in the Port of Curaçao since late 2024 is now the subject of a legal dispute between a U.S. insurance company and the vessel's owner. The ship was abandoned in December 2024, along with its crew, without further support from its owner, prompting the insurer to step in and cover essential expenses such as food, security, and the crew’s repatriation. 

Photo credit: Antilliaans Dagblad

In February 2025, the crew members were safely returned to their home country, but the ship was left behind. The insurance company subsequently filed a lawsuit to recover the costs incurred. A judge has now ruled in favor of the insurer, granting permission to seize the vessel as a means of recovering damages. 

The ship is estimated to be worth over 8 million guilders. It is believed the owner abandoned the vessel due to serious financial difficulties. The case has drawn international attention, with involvement from British lawyers and relatives of the affected crew members. 

“The insurer hopes to sell the ship as soon as possible,” a representative stated, signaling an end to the months-long ordeal and the start of efforts to recover the financial losses.