WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s oil sector has entered a new phase of activity as a massive Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) docked at Bullenbaai, marking the first operation of its kind on the island in nearly a decade.
The tanker, one of the largest classes of oil vessels in the world, is expected to load close to two million barrels of crude oil from storage tanks at the terminal before transporting it to international markets, including Asia and Europe.
According to 2BAYS Curaçao and its subsidiary Curaçao Refinery Utilities, the arrival represents a historic milestone, with the last similar VLCC operation on the island dating back to 2016.
The operation is part of a broader revival of oil storage and transshipment activities at Bullenbaai, which has recently been operating at or near full capacity.
A VLCC typically measures between 300 and 350 meters in length—roughly equivalent to three football fields—and can transport between two and three million barrels of oil in a single voyage.
Officials say the successful handling of such a vessel highlights the strategic advantage of Bullenbaai’s deep-water harbor, which allows Curaçao to accommodate some of the largest ships in the global energy trade.
The crude oil being loaded onto the tanker was previously stored on the island earlier this year, including shipments linked to regional supply flows.
Extensive preparations were carried out ahead of the vessel’s arrival.
Teams from CRU, along with local contractors, performed maintenance on infrastructure and underwent refresher training to ensure safe handling of the operation.
Coordination also took place with maritime authorities to guarantee sufficient pilot availability for safely guiding the vessel into port.
The operation is expected to benefit both the companies involved and the broader Curaçao economy, as increased oil activity could generate additional revenue and reinforce the island’s role as a regional energy hub.
Industry observers say the return of VLCC traffic signals renewed demand for Curaçao’s storage and logistics capabilities, despite ongoing debates about the long-term future of the oil sector.