The Port of Rotterdam is stepping in to support the redevelopment of industrial sites owned by the state company Refineria di Kòrsou (RdK) in Curaçao. These sites, traditionally used for refinery purposes, are set to be transformed for a variety of sustainable economic activities. At the request of RdK, the Port of Rotterdam is assigning a manager to lead the team responsible for this redevelopment and to attract new businesses to the area.
In 2023, the Curaçao Council of Ministers decided to repurpose several refinery-designated areas for sustainable industrial use. RdK is collaborating with the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA) on this initiative. The project involves approximately 250 hectares of land near the Schottegat harbor and the adjacent terminal at Bullenbaai. RdK aims to develop a mix of activities here, focusing on three main sectors: sustainable energy and raw materials, food and light industry, and logistics and port activities.
This move aligns with a broader cooperation framework between the Netherlands and Curaçao, where expertise and scientific knowledge in wind energy, green hydrogen, solar energy, and energy storage are shared. The assignment of Sander Rijsdijk, currently responsible for industry and bulk at the Port of Rotterdam, is initially for two years, with a possibility of extension. This collaboration is part of a longstanding relationship in which the Port of Rotterdam has been involved in the development of Curaçao’s port infrastructure.
