WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao's government has officially rebranded ‘Refineria di Kòrsou’ as ‘2Bays Curaçao’, marking a pivotal step in the island’s future economic vision, according to Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. The rebranding reflects a broader vision for economic development beyond the refinery, which has long been a cornerstone of Curaçao’s economy.
Speaking at the launch event for 2Bays Curaçao, Pisas emphasized the significance of this change, stating, “This is a critical step in realizing the future vision for Curaçao that I have shared with the community since the beginning of my administration.” The new name drops the term ‘refinery,’ signaling a shift away from the sole focus on oil refining and toward a more diversified energy and economic strategy.
A New Beginning for Economic Growth
Pisas, along with his MFK party, had previously promised to reopen the Isla Refinery during their 2021 election campaign. However, the rebranding of RdK to 2Bays Curaçao reflects a broader ambition. “I am confident that the development of the areas around our ports, particularly in the energy sector, with a focus on sustainable energy production for both local use and export, will be enormously beneficial for Curaçao's future,” Pisas stated.
The prime minister expressed excitement about the rebranding, calling it “a new beginning with a broader vision than just operating the refinery.” He announced that the refinery’s doors would reopen on December 1 for the production of petroleum products. At the same time, 2Bays Curaçao will begin actively developing the areas around Schottegat and Bullenbaai to attract new economic activities.
Supporting Long-Term Development
Pisas highlighted that 2Bays Curaçao will play a crucial role in supporting the government’s goals for economic, energy, and infrastructure management in the coming years. This effort aims to foster sustainable development for the island, alongside advancements in tourism and other sectors. “This, along with our tourism development and other initiatives, will diversify our economy and create unprecedented opportunities for investors,” he noted.
He added that collaboration with the private sector, through public-private partnerships, would be essential for ensuring Curaçao becomes “the economic jewel of the Southern Caribbean.”
Plans for Expansion
The government has no shortage of plans, Pisas assured. He explained that extensive strategies have already been developed and approved to advance Curaçao’s economy, particularly focusing on the port and energy sectors. “I am confident that 2Bays will work closely with other government-owned companies active in Curaçao’s ports, such as CDM, CPA, Curoil, Aqualectra, and Selikor, to provide the best services and offerings to clients and investors,” Pisas added.
The prime minister also praised 2Bays Curaçao’s slogan, “Developing Sustainable Business Together. We enable, connect, and transform,” urging the nation to use its capacity to connect with the world and transform the economy for future generations.
With 2Bays Curaçao at the helm of the island's new economic trajectory, Curaçao is positioning itself to diversify and modernize its economy, moving beyond its historic reliance on oil refining toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.