WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s oil terminal at Bullenbaai is preparing for a major operational milestone next week with the expected arrival of a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), marking the return of one of the world’s biggest oil tankers to the island after several years.
The vessel, scheduled to dock on Tuesday, is expected to load more than 2 million barrels of crude oil currently stored at the terminal, according to preparations being coordinated by government-owned 2BAYS Curaçao and its subsidiary Curaçao Refinery Utilities (CRU).
The arrival signals renewed large-scale activity at the Bullenbaai terminal, once one of the Caribbean’s most important oil transshipment hubs.
A VLCC is among the largest classes of crude oil tankers in the world and is capable of transporting between 2 and 3 million barrels of oil in a single voyage.
According to interim CEO Patrick Newton, the terminal has been working intensively to ensure that infrastructure and operational systems are fully prepared for the ship’s arrival.
Newton said the operation reflects increasing demand for storage and transshipment services at Bullenbaai, which remains strategically positioned for oil logistics in the Caribbean.
The terminal is currently operating at full storage capacity, and the loading of the VLCC will create additional space for new crude shipments.
That additional capacity is expected to be used for new incoming oil volumes, including crude originating from Venezuela, one of Curaçao’s historically most important energy partners.
The development is being seen as an important sign of economic activity for Curaçao’s industrial port sector, especially as 2BAYS Curaçao continues balancing traditional oil-related operations with its broader strategy of industrial diversification and sustainable redevelopment.
Bullenbaai has historically played a central role in Curaçao’s oil economy, serving as a deep-water terminal capable of handling large international tankers due to its natural harbor depth and strategic geographic location near major shipping routes.
Industry observers say the return of VLCC traffic could indicate renewed confidence in Curaçao’s oil storage infrastructure, despite the island’s long-term efforts to transform parts of its industrial sector toward cleaner and more diversified economic activity.
The identity of the vessel and its operating company have not yet been officially disclosed.
For Curaçao, the operation represents both a logistical test and an economic opportunity, as increased terminal activity could generate additional port revenues and strengthen the island’s role in regional energy logistics.