In a recent expansion of its global membership, the International Port Community System Association (IPCSA) is pleased to announce the inclusion of Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA) as its newest member.
WILLEMSTAD - CPA holds responsibility for managing five harbor operations, including the primary port, St Anna Bay, featuring cruise terminals, a refinery, container terminal, and drydock. The Bullenbay is managed for oil and gas terminal operations, while St Michael Bay, Caracas Bay, and Fuik Bay (CPA oversees harbor traffic management at Fuik Bay) complete its portfolio. Additionally, CPA is the sole owner of Curaçao Pilots Organization (CPO) and Curaçao Towage Company (KTK Tugs), crucial entities ensuring the safety and efficiency of harbor operations.
Handling approximately 100,000 TEU of containers and a total cargo volume of 900,000 tonnes annually, CPA plays a pivotal role in sustaining Curaçao's economy. The island, heavily reliant on imports, witnesses about 2,150 vessel calls at CPA's ports each year.
Curaçao stands as a significant cruise destination, with CPA projecting cruise passenger numbers to surpass 700,000 in 2023 and return to pre-COVID levels of 800,000 in 2024. To accommodate this surge, CPA recently constructed a second cruise pier, complemented by a cruise app facilitating stakeholders in tracking cruise ship schedules.
Urvin Inocente, IT manager at CPA, highlighted the critical role of port facilities in sustaining the island's economy, heavily dependent on the cruise and tourism sector, as well as daily goods imports.
While currently operating a harbor traffic management system called Port Control, encompassing pilot scheduling, tug dispatching, billing, and collaboration, CPA is exploring opportunities to expand the platform to meet the International Maritime Organization's requirements for a Maritime Single Window.
Urvin mentioned, "We approached IPCSA to see how it can help us move forward. As a port authority, we have the connections to achieve what is needed in terms of a Port Community System and will bring in the necessary expertise."
Membership in IPCSA will offer invaluable benefits, facilitating the exchange of information and experiences with other members. Urvin emphasized the significance of learning from others' challenges and successes, helping to streamline decision-making and avoid unnecessary costs.
CPA, with its limited resources, also brings the advantage of smaller groups, shorter reporting lines, and faster implementation to the IPCSA community.
Nico De Cauwer, Secretary General of IPCSA, expressed pleasure in welcoming CPA as a full member, highlighting the mutual sharing of experiences and expertise. Hans Rook, Ambassador of IPCSA, added, "We are delighted to welcome CPA to the IPCSA family."
