WILLEMSTAD – A potential reopening of Venezuela to large-scale international investment could create significant economic opportunities for Curaçao and other Caribbean islands, according to energy industry analyst Robert Chandler, director of Energy Minds.
In a recent analysis of the rapidly evolving regional energy sector, Chandler argues that the combination of Guyana’s booming offshore oil industry, Suriname’s expanding energy sector, and a possible return of Venezuela to global energy markets could reshape the economic landscape of northern South America and the Caribbean over the coming decade.
Beyond Oil Production
According to Chandler, the greatest opportunity for Caribbean islands may not lie in oil production itself, but in the wide range of services required to support offshore operations.
As offshore drilling activity continues to expand off the coasts of Guyana and Suriname, demand is growing for logistics hubs, supply bases, warehousing facilities, transportation services, workforce accommodations, fuel supplies, vessel maintenance, and other support industries.
He notes that major offshore developments create entire support economies that extend far beyond oil platforms and drilling vessels.
“Big oil gets the headlines. Everyone else builds the machine behind it,” Chandler recently stated while discussing the opportunities emerging in Suriname's oil and gas sector.
Strategic Position for Curaçao
Curaçao and Aruba are particularly well-positioned geographically between Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname, potentially allowing them to benefit from increased maritime traffic and offshore support activities.
Curaçao already possesses several advantages, including a deep-water harbor, an established maritime services sector, fuel storage facilities, and extensive experience serving regional shipping and energy industries.
As the number of drilling rigs, production vessels, and offshore support ships increases, demand could grow for port services, bunkering operations, repair facilities, storage yards, air connections, and specialized maritime support.
Suriname and Guyana Driving Growth
The analysis comes as both Guyana and Suriname continue attracting billions of dollars in offshore energy investments.
Chandler points to Suriname's growing need for logistics infrastructure, warehousing, transportation services, industrial facilities, and workforce housing as evidence that the impact of offshore development extends far beyond the energy sector itself.
He notes that Guyana has already experienced similar transformations, with major investments in ports, housing developments, hotels, transportation infrastructure, and support services accompanying the country's oil boom.
Venezuela Remains Key Unknown
While Chandler sees considerable potential in a future energy corridor stretching from Venezuela to Suriname, he emphasizes that a full reopening of Venezuela to international investors remains uncertain.
However, he believes a broader trend is already underway. Energy investment is increasingly shifting toward the northern coast of South America, where major offshore discoveries continue to attract global attention and capital.
For Curaçao, the challenge will be determining how quickly it can position itself as a regional logistics and maritime hub capable of supporting the expanding offshore industry.
More information about Energy Minds can be found at:
According to Chandler, the islands that succeed in providing stable regulations, reliable infrastructure, and high-quality services could emerge as key beneficiaries of one of the region's most significant economic transformations in decades.