WILLEMSTAD – The arrival of a supertanker at Bullenbaai is being seen as a potential turning point for Curaçao’s oil economy, as renewed large-scale operations begin to reshape activity at the island’s historic terminal.
After years of limited activity, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) has returned to Curaçao’s shores, loading nearly two million barrels of crude oil for export to global markets such as China, India and Europe.
The development comes as 2BAYS Curaçao continues efforts to reposition Bullenbaai as a key player in regional oil logistics following years of uncertainty surrounding refinery operations.
Earlier this year, the terminal resumed receiving and storing crude oil shipments, including volumes originating from Venezuela, signaling a gradual return of activity to the sector.
The current VLCC operation is expected to free up storage capacity at the terminal, allowing new shipments to be received and handled in the coming weeks.
For Curaçao, this is more than just a single transaction.
It represents a test of the island’s ability to handle large-scale oil operations again and potentially attract more international shipping traffic.
Officials say the operation demonstrates that Curaçao still has the infrastructure and strategic location to play a role in global energy logistics.
Bullenbaai’s deep-water access has long been one of its main advantages, making it suitable for the world’s largest crude carriers.
However, the renewed activity also comes amid ongoing political and economic debates about the future of the oil sector on the island, including questions about diversification and sustainability.
For now, the focus remains on the successful execution of the current operation.
If more VLCCs follow, Curaçao could see a revival of its oil storage and transshipment industry—bringing both economic opportunities and renewed scrutiny to one of the island’s most important industrial assets.