WILLEMSTAD – Companies operating in Curaçao’s maritime sector are being urged to strengthen their compliance with international sanctions, as global scrutiny intensifies and the island faces ongoing evaluation by regional watchdogs.
A recent notice distributed to maritime stakeholders highlights that Curaçao, as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is required to comply with sanctions imposed by the European Union as well as applicable local legislation.
The warning comes against the backdrop of increasing global enforcement, particularly targeting so-called “shadow fleets” linked to sanctioned entities. By the end of 2025, such fleets were estimated to include more than 600 vessels, raising concerns about evasion tactics and the role of international ports.
At the same time, Curaçao is currently being assessed by the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce (CFATF) for its compliance with international sanctions standards. According to the document, the maritime sector did not pass the initial assessment, making improved compliance an urgent priority.
Authorities warn that providing services to sanctioned vessels can have serious consequences, including heavy fines, criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and reputational damage—not only for individual companies but also for Curaçao’s broader maritime sector.
To mitigate risks, maritime operators are being instructed to carry out strict due diligence. This includes verifying vessels using their IMO number, screening cargo and ownership structures, and ensuring that no services are provided to vessels listed under sanctions.
In addition, Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA) is developing a system that will automatically flag sanctioned vessels within port systems. While this is expected to improve awareness, the document stresses that ultimate responsibility remains with individual companies to conduct their own checks.
Industry stakeholders are also encouraged to make use of international verification tools, including EU sanctions databases and other global watchlists, to strengthen their compliance processes.
The notice underscores that Curaçao’s position as a regional maritime hub brings both opportunity and responsibility. With international oversight increasing, authorities and industry leaders are emphasizing that strict adherence to sanctions regulations is essential to safeguarding the island’s reputation and maintaining access to global markets.