WILLEMSTAD – One of Curaçao’s most recognizable landmarks has entered a new phase following major modernization work on the Queen Emma Bridge, including a completely renewed electrical system and the replacement of propulsion equipment that had been in service for nearly four decades.
Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning Charles Cooper marked the milestone together with Marco Hoogendoorn of Holland Shipyards Group and representatives of the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA).
The project included the complete renewal of the bridge’s electrical system, with approximately four kilometers of new cabling installed.
The new electrical infrastructure supplies power to several essential systems, including the bridge’s new propulsion system, security cameras, safety barriers and lighting.
Streetlights on the bridge, navigation lights and other lighting systems have also been upgraded with LED technology, improving efficiency while modernizing the historic structure.
One of the most significant changes is the installation of a new electric propulsion system. A new pontoon was constructed specifically to accommodate the equipment.
The new system replaces engines that had been operating since 1987, meaning the previous propulsion equipment had been in service for almost 40 years.
Major mechanical components on both the Punda and Otrobanda sides of the bridge were also inspected, renovated and modernized. The work is intended to improve the reliability of the bridge and ensure that it can continue operating safely in the years ahead.
The Queen Emma Bridge, commonly known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” serves both as a vital pedestrian connection between Punda and Otrobanda and as one of Curaçao’s best-known historic attractions.
Unlike a conventional drawbridge, the floating bridge swings open to allow ships to enter and leave the harbor. Its propulsion system is therefore essential to daily operations.
The modernization represents an important investment in preserving the historic character of the Queen Emma Bridge while replacing aging technical infrastructure with modern equipment.
The work by Holland Shipyards Group and CPA has focused on extending the operational life of the bridge while improving the reliability of the electrical, mechanical, propulsion and safety systems that keep the landmark functioning.