The Refinery Debate Is Over. Now Comes the Hard Part: Building.

Curaçao-based company 2BAYS is expanding its operations into ship repair and maritime services as the island's refinery strategy undergoes significant changes. The move represents a strategic pivot for the company, likely in response to uncertainties surrounding the Isla Refinery and the broader energy landscape on the island. By entering the maritime services sector, 2BAYS aims to capitalize on Curaçao's established position as a key hub in Caribbean shipping and logistics. The expansion signals growing private sector interest in diversifying the island's industrial economy beyond oil refining. Curaçao's deep-water port and central location in the Caribbean make it a natural fit for ship repair operations. This development could bring new employment opportunities and economic activity to the island at a time when the future of the refinery remains uncertain. The move reflects a broader trend of businesses on Curaçao adapting to a shifting energy and industrial environment.

The Committee for Financial Supervision (Cft) is urging the government of Curaçao to increase the dividends it collects from state-owned companies, which collectively earn more than XCG 100 million. The advisory body believes the island is leaving significant revenue on the table by not demanding a larger share of profits from these government-owned enterprises. Cft's recommendation comes as Curaçao continues to navigate fiscal challenges and seeks to strengthen its public finances. Higher dividend payouts from state-owned companies could provide the government with additional funds without raising taxes or cutting services. The Cft regularly monitors the financial health of Curaçao and the other countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and its recommendations carry considerable weight in budget planning. This call for greater dividend collection reflects a broader push by the Cft to ensure Curaçao maximizes all available revenue streams. The government has yet to publicly respond to the recommendation.

The Emmastad Terminal in Curaçao continues to play a pivotal role in the island's emergency fuel supply planning, according to the Curaçao Chronicle. The facility is being maintained as a critical infrastructure asset to ensure energy security in the event of supply disruptions. Curaçao, like many small island nations, is highly dependent on imported fuel, making reliable storage and distribution infrastructure essential. The terminal's strategic position allows authorities to stockpile reserves that can buffer the island against regional or global supply chain shocks. Officials have reaffirmed the site's importance within the broader emergency preparedness framework, signaling continued investment in its operational capacity. The move reflects growing regional concern about energy vulnerability in the Caribbean, where hurricanes and geopolitical shifts can rapidly disrupt fuel imports. No immediate crisis prompted the announcement, but the emphasis underscores long-term resilience planning.