News & Events

This month in CMAR News, we look at the legal side of doing business in the maritime sector, including why getting legal advice early can help prevent problems later. We also look back at Curaçao’s World Maritime Day networking event, where the maritime community came together to mark the occasion and commemorate 100 years of modern ship repair on the island.

Curaçao has a long history of repairing ships, but 2026 marks 100 years since modern dry-dock ship repair began on the island. From wooden shipbuilding and coal bunkering to today's large-scale dry docks, the industry has continually adapted to a changing maritime world. As the sector celebrates its first century, new investments are setting the stage for the next chapter of ship repair in Curaçao.

This edition features highlights from the CMAR Annual General Meeting, including practical insights from Compliance & Forensic Caribbean on sanctions compliance and what it means for maritime businesses. We also share news on KTK Tugs' expansion to St. Kitts and Nevis and reflect on the Day of the Seafarer, recognizing the people who keep global trade moving.

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.