WILLEMSTAD – Maritime stakeholders in Curaçao and within the Kingdom of the Netherlands are holding discussions aimed at improving transparency and oversight in the handling of vessels linked to international sanctions.
According to the latest newsletter of the Curaçao Maritime Association (CMAR), the talks are intended to prevent ships and oil tankers listed on sanctions registers from being processed or accepted in local ports without proper scrutiny. Industry representatives warn that allowing such vessels to operate freely could expose Curaçao to legal risks and reputational damage.
The discussions follow recent incidents involving controversial tankers in the region. One of these cases concerns the tanker Regina, which arrived earlier this year to unload Venezuelan oil at the Bullenbaai terminal. The vessel later drew attention after it was reported to be operating under a questionable flag registration.
Another vessel, the Morning Sun, also raised concerns after authorities in the Netherlands reported inspection deficiencies when the ship was operating near Sint Eustatius.
CMAR says the incidents highlight the challenge of balancing the facilitation of legitimate maritime trade with the need to comply with international safety rules and sanctions regimes.
“While Curaçao and the broader Kingdom seek to balance legitimate maritime commerce with compliance with international security and sanctions obligations, these episodes underline the importance of strong regulatory oversight to safeguard maritime credibility and protect local industries from legal and reputational risks,” the association stated.
The Maritime Authority of Curaçao (MAC) has since taken several measures in response to the situation. According to the CMAR report, the authority has acted against a number of aging oil tankers connected to Venezuelan crude shipments that have attracted international attention.
The Regina has now been formally detained by the maritime authority. Local reports indicate that the vessel had been sailing under the flag of East Timor, a registration that is not recognized as part of a major international shipping registry. Authorities also noted that the ship’s AIS tracking system had been switched off during certain periods.
In addition, the tanker reportedly appears on sanctions lists maintained by the United States.
The incidents have intensified discussions within the maritime sector about strengthening regulatory oversight to ensure Curaçao remains compliant with international maritime standards while protecting its reputation as a reliable shipping hub in the Caribbean.