News & Events

Curaçao recently hosted the 24th Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC), bringing together maritime professionals from across the region and beyond. Over three days, participants engaged in discussions on key developments shaping the sector, including resilience, digitalization, sustainability and regional collaboration. Read more about the conference highlights and Curaçao’s role as host in this month’s article.

In this month’s CMAR newsletter, we speak with Curaçao’s Harbour Master and Deputy Harbour Master about their responsibilities and the coordination required to keep all five of our ports safe, efficient and operational. This edition also features highlights from Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, where a CMAR board member attended a reception with H.M. King Willem-Alexander and H.M. Queen Máxima. In addition, we include a reminder to register for the upcoming Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference (CSEC) in Curaçao, as well as the start of Velas Curaçao Rendez-Vous, bringing tall ships to the Curaçao this weekend.

This month’s newsletter highlights an important pillar of Curaçao’s maritime ecosystem: CITRO. As CITRO approaches its 50th anniversary, three volunteers share insights into what it means to operate a fully citizen- and donation-driven maritime rescue organization, one that is highly trained, well-equipped and consistently prepared to respond when needed. Also in this edition: Developments around a Panama-flagged vessel detained in China. The Caribbean Shipping Association featuring our Buskabaai article. A reminder to register for the upcoming CSEC conference in Curaçao. A webinar on risk management and port resilience in the face of natural disasters Read the full newsletter right here!

This month, we introduce United Caribbean Line (UCL), a newly launched regional shipping company strengthening bulk and multipurpose transport between Colombia and the ABC islands. We also report on the detention of a tanker in Bullenbaai by the Maritime Authority Curaçao (MAC), following documentation irregularities. The case underscores the importance of compliance, oversight, and maritime credibility within the Kingdom. Read the full edition for the latest developments shaping our sector.

In this first edition of the year, we look both back and ahead. Curaçao Ports Authority shares 2025’s port performance highlights and outlines the key infrastructure investments planned for 2026, including the transition to cleaner energy, masterplan updates and a new net-zero cruise terminal. We also touch on a topic that’s sparked debate in recent weeks: oil tankers carrying Venezuelan crude returning to Bullenbaai. While controversy brews, CMAR’s chair offers a pragmatic take on what this shift could mean for Curaçao’s maritime future. Read the full newsletter by clicking on the photo.