WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government is looking to strengthen the island’s maritime sector by developing a broader industrial cluster around the 2BAYS area, combining port activities, offshore services, logistics, energy and technical industries.
Several maritime and industrial activities are already taking place in the area, including offshore services, repair and maintenance of smaller vessels, technical services, logistical support and bunkering activities.
According to Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof, the presence of multiple specialized companies creates an opportunity to build a stronger value chain in which businesses can share knowledge, facilities, employees and services.
Planned private initiatives, including activities by Navcarib and further development of bunkering operations, are expected to create approximately 80 direct and indirect jobs. Additional opportunities are expected for local contractors, suppliers, logistics companies and service providers.
Regional developments are also creating opportunities. Growth in the energy, offshore and maritime sectors in Guyana and Suriname is increasing demand for ship repair, offshore support, technical services, engineering and logistics. Future developments related to Venezuela could also create new economic opportunities for Curaçao.
The government believes Curaçao’s strategic location, existing port infrastructure and available technical expertise provide a strong foundation for positioning the island as a complementary maritime service, maintenance and logistics hub for the southern Caribbean.
The development of the area is being supported through the Maritime Programmatic Table (PMT) for Dok-Buskabaai. This public-private cooperation platform brings together government, government companies, private businesses and other relevant partners.
The PMT is intended to coordinate investments, infrastructure development, financing, training and implementation so that projects are not developed separately. The platform supports the wider economic development corridor of Dok-Buskabaai, where ship repair, offshore services, logistics, industrial activities, energy, circular economy, innovation and professional training can reinforce each other.
Middelhof stressed that local residents must be prepared to benefit from these developments. He said new economic opportunities must go hand in hand with education, training and practical experience, especially for young people.
The minister has already offered 11 young people the opportunity to gain work experience at the Ministry of Economic Development. Two young participants, Ichelon Simmons and Alexia de Jesus, joined the minister during the 2BAYS visit to learn more about future economic and career opportunities.
Middelhof also pointed to planned developments around Bullenbaai, including port activities, energy-related infrastructure, industrial services and new production activities. One planned initiative involves land-based fish farming, expected to be realized by 2028, which could contribute to innovation, employment and export development.
According to the minister, the government’s role is to facilitate connections, remove barriers for investments, develop strategic public infrastructure and help align education with labor market needs.
“Curaçao has great potential, but we must actively capitalize on it. Our goal is to support sustainable and economically responsible initiatives that attract private investment, create high-quality jobs and strengthen Curaçao’s capacity to generate income,” Middelhof said.
The minister concluded that coordinated development of maritime services, ship repair, offshore support, bunkering, industrial production, laboratories, circular applications, energy and innovative agricultural production could transform the 2BAYS area into an important engine for industrial revitalization and economic diversification.