Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA) opened 2026 with its traditional New Year’s Reception, this year hosted on the ms Rotterdam, the flagship of Holland America Line, docked at the Tula Mega Pier. It was a fitting venue for an evening that celebrated maritime growth while outlining strategic directions for the year ahead.

CPA CEO Humberto de Castro welcomed guests and delivered an update on CPA’s key priorities. Among the most notable developments is the upcoming conversion of the Emma Bridge’s diesel engines to electric power, an important sustainability milestone for the downtown area. “The days of noisy engines and exhaust fumes each time the bridge opens will soon be behind us,” said Humberto.

He also spoke about the Anna Bay masterplan, aimed at strengthening downtown through wharf redevelopment. With the first phase already completed, “phases two and three are now moving forward and investors are lined up.” In the coming months, CPA will begin the selection process and projects will commence on both the Punda and Otrobanda sides.

As part of that plan, a new electric ferry will be introduced to improve connectivity between Punda and Otrobanda. Also included is the long-awaited overhaul of the Scharloo sewage system, design is completed and now ready for implementation. Once complete, this will eliminate sewage discharge into the Waaigat and redirect wastewater to proper treatment facilities.

Additional infrastructure upgrades are on the agenda for Caracas Bay and the Schottegat, though Humberto kept those details brief. When asked which single project could yield the greatest economic impact, he pointed to the reactivation of the Bullenbay Terminal. “In 2015, it generated over 30 million guilders for the CPA Group. Last year, that number was under one million. We hope 2026 is the year we turn that around.”

CPA CCO Raul Manotas followed with an operational recap. In 2025, the Ports of Curaçao handled nearly 3,000 vessel calls, accounting for over 44 million gross tonnage, a 15% increase from 2024. Growth was seen across most vessel categories, particularly cruise, service and cargo.

In the cruise segment alone, Curaçao welcomed 250 vessels with an average occupancy of 91%, bringing in 883,000 passengers, a 6% rise over the previous year. A milestone was reached in November, with Corendon using Curaçao as an interport thanks to close collaboration with CPA, Curaçao Tourism Board and Ambassador Cruise Lines.

On the cargo side, container movement held steady with 107,000 TEU, equating to nearly 1 million metric tons, a 2% increase compared to the previous year. CPA and local agents also accommodated several layups of drill vessels and rigs at Caracas Bay, the jetties pier and the buoy at Sint Michiel, supporting local maintenance companies and creating strong economic spin-off.

CPA also advanced several port upgrades in 2025, including a new lighthouse at Cape Sint Marie, renovation of quay walls at the Grote Werf, revetment works at Mega Pier and the construction of a new breaking beam at the ferry landing at Otrobanda.

 One of the flagship projects is the development of a net-zero cruise terminal at the Rif Port Terminal, which will be powered by solar energy. Raul concluded by announcing that Curaçao will host the 24th Caribbean Shipping Executives Conference in May 2026, offering a major opportunity to spotlight Curaçao’s role as a regional maritime hub.

The third speaker, Minister Charles Cooper, who holds the portfolios of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning, as well as Finance, offered remarks on behalf of the government. He underscored that Curaçao’s booming economy is made possible by strategic investments in logistics infrastructure. “As the largest shareholder in CPA, the government fully supports the port’s continued development. Our seaport and airport are our main logistics engines, and our focus is job creation and economic growth.” He concluded with his wish for a prosperous year ahead for the CPA team, their families and all stakeholders.

The evening closed with warm words from Captain Jeroen of the ms Rotterdam, host venue for the event. With over 35 years of experience sailing to Curaçao, he recalled his first arrival back in 1999 aboard the Noordam.

“Back then, cruise ships still docked inside the harbor, right under the bridge, before the mega piers were built,” he said, sparking familiar memories for many in the audience. He reminisced about piloting the Nieuw Amsterdam into port, one of the largest ships he had the pleasure to make that maneuver with, and shared the deep appreciation his crew felt for Curaçao’s hospitality during the pandemic, when two Holland America vessels were able to dock regularly at the mega pier as well as provide a bridge to safely repatriate crew.

“You don’t know how good it feels to touch land after months at sea,” he said. “Over the years, Curaçao has always welcomed us with professionalism and warmth. Our guests love this island, and our crew does too.” He closed by expressing the pleasure it was to host the CPA reception aboard the ms Rotterdam: “Docking in Curaçao is always a highlight, the officers on the bridge actually argue over who gets to do it.”

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