WILLEMSTAD – German engineering company Liebherr has been named the preferred bidder to supply new tower cranes for Damen Shiprepair Curaçao (DSCu) and CDM Holding as part of a major modernization programme at the island’s shipyards.
The project includes replacing several ageing cranes currently in use at the facilities, including crane number 7 at B-Dock, which has been operating since 1982. Commercial terms for the first rail-mounted Liebherr crane have already been agreed, and the partners have signed a Letter of Intent confirming their commitment to the cooperation. Final contract documentation is now being completed.
According to the companies involved, the new cranes will significantly increase lifting capacity, improve operational precision and modernize safety standards across the shipyard facilities. The equipment will also allow the yards to perform maintenance and conversion work on larger vessels more efficiently.
The crane project was one of two milestones highlighted during a recent official visit by Roderick Middelhof.
During the same event, the minister formally commissioned new dock pump systems supplied by KSB. The systems serve both the Beatrix Dock (B-Dock) and Antillia Dock (A-Dock), upgrading the dry dock’s water removal capacity and replacing older equipment.
Both projects are part of a broader strategic improvement programme launched in 2023 by DSCu and CDM Holding. The programme carries a total investment of approximately €20 million and is partly financed through support from the Dutch government.
The initiative responds to changes in global shipping routes and growing demand for repair and conversion services in the Caribbean. The programme also aims to modernize technical infrastructure, renew critical equipment, improve safety standards and support employment opportunities at the shipyard.
Officials say the upgrades will strengthen Curaçao’s position as a regional hub for maritime repair and maintenance services.
Jeroen Heesters attended the commissioning event alongside Minister Middelhof. According to Liebherr, the improvements will shorten dock turnaround times and enhance Curaçao’s ability to service larger and more technically complex vessels at one of the southern Caribbean’s most important dry dock facilities.