WILLEMSTAD – Several developments in Curaçao’s maritime sector were highlighted in the latest newsletter of the Curaçao Maritime Association (CMAR), including the launch of a new regional shipping company, regulatory action against a Venezuela-linked oil tanker, and preparations for a major Caribbean shipping conference to be held on the island.
One of the key developments is the growth of United Caribbean Line (UCL), a new shipping company based in Bonaire that is expanding cargo routes between South America and the Caribbean. The company was established to improve the reliability of maritime transport and to strengthen regional trade links.
UCL recently acquired its first vessel, the multipurpose cargo ship M/V Mayflower II, which is being used primarily to transport construction materials such as sand, stone and cement in large bags to the ABC islands. According to UCL director Herbert de Jongh, the initiative was created to ensure a stable supply of essential building materials after years of dependence on external shipping lines.
The vessel now operates across several routes connecting Curaçao, Bonaire, Trinidad, Guyana, Colombia, Mexico and other Caribbean destinations. In addition to bulk cargo, the ship can handle break-bulk shipments and containers, providing flexibility for regional trade. UCL has also begun transporting recyclable materials from Bonaire to Colombia, including cardboard, plastics, tires and metal, supporting recycling initiatives in the region.
Despite being a relatively new operator, the company has already secured consistent cargo flows and built partnerships with regional shipping operators. Plans are also underway to acquire a second vessel to expand capacity and strengthen reliability in the Caribbean supply chain.
The newsletter also reported on enforcement actions taken by maritime authorities regarding vessels connected to Venezuelan oil trade. In recent weeks, the tanker Regina was detained in Curaçao after inspections by the Maritime Authority Curaçao (MAC) raised concerns about documentation, flag registration and safety compliance.
Authorities determined that the ship had been sailing under a questionable flag and carried invalid certificates, in violation of international maritime regulations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to MAC director Jan Sierhuis, the Kingdom’s ship law allows authorities to detain vessels that fail to meet legal documentation and safety requirements.
The detention comes amid increasing global scrutiny of so-called “shadow fleets,” ageing tankers that transport crude oil while attempting to evade sanctions or regulatory oversight. CMAR board member Albert Elens said the organization is involved in ongoing discussions aimed at strengthening oversight and preventing sanctioned vessels from operating in ways that could damage Curaçao’s international reputation.
Finally, the newsletter confirmed that Curaçao will host the Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC) in May 2026. The event will take place from May 17 to 19 and will be organized by the Caribbean Shipping Association in partnership with Curaçao Ports Authority. The conference is expected to bring maritime leaders and logistics professionals from across the region to the island.
According to CMAR, these developments reflect the growing importance of Curaçao as a logistics hub in the Caribbean, combining regional trade expansion with increased regulatory oversight and international maritime cooperation.