THE HAGUE – Curaçao could strengthen its position as a strategic energy and logistics hub in the Caribbean following recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, according to Dutch Member of Parliament Peter van Duijvenvoorde. The MP has submitted a series of written questions to the Dutch government, urging closer cooperation within the Kingdom to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Van Duijvenvoorde asked ministers including Economic Affairs Minister Karremans and State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Van Marum whether they are aware that a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude oil has recently docked in Curaçao for temporary storage.
According to the MP, this development could signal a renewed role for Curaçao as a key node for energy storage, transshipment and logistics in the region. He argues that the island’s existing oil terminals, port facilities and favorable geographic location offer clear advantages that could be leveraged more structurally.
Van Duijvenvoorde also points to potential benefits for the wider Kingdom, including opportunities for Dutch companies active in port development, maritime services, energy logistics, storage technology and engineering. He asks whether the Dutch government sees scope for these companies to benefit from Curaçao’s increasing role in international energy flows, particularly in light of expanded U.S. involvement in Venezuelan oil.
The MP further inquires whether there is active coordination between the Dutch government and the Curaçao government on strengthening economic cooperation in the field of energy logistics and strategic infrastructure. He suggests Curaçao could develop into a permanent energy hub within the Kingdom, comparable to the role the Netherlands plays in Northwest Europe.
The questions underline the potential for economic growth, job creation and knowledge development on the island, while also calling for synergies with Dutch ports, logistics networks and knowledge institutions to ensure that added value remains within the Kingdom.