WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is positioning itself to play a larger role in the rapidly expanding offshore oil and gas industries of Guyana and Suriname, with plans advancing to transform Buskabaai into a regional offshore support and logistics hub.
The plans were further discussed during the 24th edition of the Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC 2026), held on Curaçao from May 17 to 19. The conference brought together shipowners, port operators, logistics companies, offshore firms and maritime policymakers from across the Caribbean region.
According to project stakeholders, Curaçao already possesses several strategic advantages that could help it become a regional offshore service center. These include deepwater infrastructure, drydock and repair facilities, relatively fast customs and immigration procedures, political stability within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and an established maritime sector.
Central to the plans is Buskabaai, which would be dredged to depths between eight and twelve meters. That would allow offshore support vessels (OSVs), platform supply vessels (PSVs) and subsea support ships to operate from Curaçao while servicing offshore oil developments in Guyana and Suriname.
The project involves both public and private sector partners, including 2BAYS Curaçao, Buskabaai NV, CDM Holding NV, Damen Shiprepair Curaçao, Curaçao Ports Authority, members of maritime association CMAR and four government ministries.
The developments come as neighboring Suriname prepares for large-scale offshore oil production. Major international energy companies including TotalEnergies, APA Corporation, Shell, Chevron and Petronas are investing heavily in the Guyana-Suriname Basin, now considered one of the world’s fastest-growing offshore energy regions.
One of the largest developments is Suriname’s GranMorgu offshore project in Block 58, a multi-billion-dollar deepwater oil project led by TotalEnergies and APA Corporation with first oil expected around 2028.
Industry analysts say the rapid growth of offshore activity is increasing regional demand for ship repair, logistics, subsea support, offshore supply vessels and maritime maintenance services — areas where Curaçao hopes to compete.