WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government plans to develop a small vessels terminal and modernize existing harbor facilities as part of a broader strategy to rebuild the island’s position as a regional maritime hub.
The plans are contained in the 2027 Budget Memorandum, which identifies the maritime sector as one of the strategic industries expected to contribute to economic diversification.
The government acknowledges that Curaçao’s competitive position in the maritime industry has gradually eroded despite the island’s strategic location and historically strong maritime infrastructure.
The strategy includes modernization and automation of existing harbor facilities, improved areas for ship maintenance and logistics services and development of a small vessels terminal.
The government also wants to transform traditional economic zones into modern Special Economic Zones designed to attract foreign investors and support ship maintenance, ship repair, logistics and specialized production.
Consultations on new legislation governing the Special Economic Zones began in 2026, with further implementation planned for 2027.
The maritime strategy is part of a broader XCG 55.6 million allocation in 2027 for policies aimed at stimulating strategic economic sectors. Of that amount, approximately XCG 575,000 is classified as investment expenditure in 2027, with larger investments planned from 2028 onward.
The government sees maritime services as one of several sectors capable of reducing Curaçao’s dependence on traditional sources of economic growth.