WILLEMSTAD - The Dok–Buskabaai zone has been designated as the focal point of Curaçao’s future maritime, industrial, and circular economy, marking a strategic shift in how the island intends to anchor its economic renewal. The initiative will be driven by the newly established Programmatische Maritieme Tafel (PMT), which brings together government, state-owned enterprises, and private-sector partners under a single programmatic framework.
The designation comes as Curaçao prepares to commemorate 100 years of ship repair on the island in 2026. Against that backdrop, the maritime sector is positioning itself for what it describes as a new era of opportunity. With the backing of Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and several key ministries, the government has formally identified the Dok–Buskabaai zone as the heart of this transformation, signaling that Curaçao intends to build its next phase of economic development around the sea that surrounds it.
According to stakeholders, the strategy aligns closely with the objectives of the Landspakket, the reform framework agreed with the Netherlands, which focuses on strengthening the local economy, increasing resilience, and improving execution capacity. Within this approach, the Curaçao Maritime Association (CMAR) is taking on a coordinating role within the sector, while the Ministry of Economic Development oversees alignment between ministries and maritime partners.
One integrated maritime framework
The PMT was recently launched to address long-standing fragmentation in maritime and industrial development. It brings together public and private stakeholders, including Curaçao Ports Authority, CDM-Holding, Blue Harbour City, Buskabaai, 2Bays, and members of CMAR. By operating within a single framework, the platform aims to streamline decision-making on permits, infrastructure planning, investment priorities, and the clustering of innovation in circular industry, logistics, and maritime services.
The trajectory from within the sector is being led by Errol Diaz, CEO of CDM-Holding and chair of the PMT working group. With ministers directly involved in the discussions, stakeholders expect faster and more future-oriented decisions. Diaz said the PMT will actively engage with international maritime and industrial markets to identify concrete requirements, investor interest, and proven demand.
This so-called outside-in approach is intended to ensure that new projects are developed from the outset with clear market alignment and long-term viability. According to Diaz, when combined with the ongoing modernization of the shipyard and the reopening of Buskabaai to open sea access, the development is expected to give a powerful boost to Curaçao’s maritime sector. He added that the plans could ultimately expand port capacity in the Schottegat harbor area by at least 30 percent.
With the Dok–Buskabaai zone now formally positioned at the center of Curaçao’s maritime ambitions, the government and industry partners are betting that coordinated action, market-driven development, and strategic use of the island’s maritime heritage can translate into sustainable growth and renewed economic relevance for decades to come.