WILLEMSTAD - Recently, Curaçao Refinery indicated that after reading articles in the local media, they feel obliged to state that “no selection has been made yet for a new operator for the refinery. The process is still ongoing and has not yet been completed." RdK also states that the decision would first have to go through the cabinet. But RdK promises to inform the community “correctly and completely” once there is a decision.
After some digging, Curaçao Chronicle discovered a registration at the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce and Industry of a new local company called CORC BV (see image). After several inquiries it became known that CORC BV, together with international partners, will be given the blessing and confidence to revive the refinery and petrochemical industry in Curaçao. This was confirmed by sources close to the new company.
These sources say that CORC BV has the best credentials. Even though RdK states that it has not made any selection yet, sources are persistent that CORC BV has emerged as the best bidder and is considered to be the 'preferred bidder', with whom negotiations will be continued in the near future to reach a definitive agreement.
CORC BV was founded in September this year and its corporate objective is "oil refinery, trading company, loading, unloading and transhipment company (for sea shipping)", the Chamber of Commerce states.
According to sources, in the new year, from Monday January 4, the actual talks will start with the aim in principle to sign a contract by the end of February 2021.
CORC has a well-known director for Curaçao: Javier Hernández. This Spanish-born refinery expert with Dutch nationality knows the refinery like no one else. Hernández was director of Refineria Isla Curaçao for many years, when the Venezuelan state oil company PdVSA was operator. He was there when the BOO (Curaçao Refinery Utilities, CRU) power station was built.
The now 80-year-old, but still fit, Hernández is assisted in the CORC board by 49-year-old Curaçaoan Manoel "Lito" De Silva De Freitas. He is also familiar with the refinery, but as a maintenance contractor through his company Dick & Doof Contractors bv.
CORC has Petra Energia SA from Brazil on board. This oil and gas concern is headed by Roberto Viana. Born in 1958, this Brazilian studied philosophy and economics, worked for international investment banks, headed Copergas and hired CNC-PetroChina, Sinopec and Petrogal. In his own country, Viana is mainly active in gas production, his CV reports.
There is also an agreement with GDE Trading, whereby GDE stands for the Brazilian Grupo Dislub Equador. Again, Sinopec (China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation) is present, and will provide technical expertise and advice to CORC.
The crude oil for the Isla refinery must come largely from Brazil, Nigeria and Russia. In contrast to the last century, when by far most of the oil came from neighboring Venezuela, where the petroleum industry has now come to a near-complete standstill.
There would also be a role in this project for Unido, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, a specialized UN organization with the aim of promoting, and accelerating industrial development in developing countries.
In connection with the selection procedure by government company RdK, owner of all installations, assisted by a special PMO team (Project Management Organization) and advised by IHS Markit in Houston, three providers remained. The sources indicate that CORC's proposal has been or will be chosen. In the eyes of RdK / PMO, this is the most realistic and feasible at a time when refineries worldwide are closing.