UN/LOCODE: ANCUR📍 Netherlands Antilles
Port of Curacao (UN/LOCODE ANCUR)
❖ Coordinates: 12.1224°N, -68.8824°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Curacao
❖ UN/LOCODE: ANCUR
## About the Port
The **Port of Curaçao (UN/LOCODE: ANCUR)** is the principal maritime gateway for the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, situated at 12.1224221 °N, ‑68.8824233 °W in the **America/Curacao** time zone. Operated by the **Curaçao Port Authority (CSPA)**, the harbour is strategically positioned at the southern entrance of the **Caribbean Sea**, where the Atlantic Ocean funnels through the Lesser Antilles. Its natural deep‑water basin, combined with modern dredging, accommodates vessels with drafts up to **12 m**, making it a versatile hub for container ships, bulk carriers, cruise liners, and offshore supply vessels.
Key functional attributes include:
- **Multi‑modal connectivity** – direct road links to the island’s logistics parks, on‑site rail sidings for container handling, and proximity to Curaçao International Airport for air‑sea integration.
- **Customs and regulatory framework** – governed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ maritime statutes, with streamlined “single window” clearance for import/export documentation.
- **Safety and environmental standards** – compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions, including the **Marpol** and **Ballast Water Management** regulations.
The port’s capacity and regulatory environment position it as a **transshipment nexus** for the Southern Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Northern South American coast.
## History
### Colonial Foundations (1634‑1910)
Curaçao’s harbour traces its origins to the Dutch West India Company’s establishment of **Fort Amsterdam** in 1634, which quickly evolved into a protected anchorage for the Atlantic‑Caribbean trade in sugar, salt, and slave cargoes. Early infrastructure comprised rudimentary timber piers and a modest ship‑repair yard that serviced Dutch merchantmen traversing the West Indies trade routes.
### 20th‑Century Modernization (1910‑1970)
The discovery of the **Venezuelan oil fields** in the early 20th century spurred a dramatic expansion of port facilities. In the 1930s, the CSPA initiated the construction of **deep‑water quays** and a dedicated oil terminal, enabling Curaçao to become the primary bunker hub for Allied naval forces during World War II. Post‑war, the port accommodated increasing containerization trends, prompting the 1965 installation of the first **roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro)** slip.
### Recent Development (1970‑Present)
From the 1970s onward, the port diversified beyond oil. The **Free Zone** was designated in 1998, encouraging multinational logistics firms to establish offshore warehousing. Recent investments include a **200‑meter container gantry crane**, automated **terminal operating system (TOS)**, and the 2021 “**Smart Port Initiative**” that leverages IoT sensors for real‑time berth allocation and emissions monitoring.
The evolution of the Port of Curaçao reflects a trajectory from colonial outpost to a **multifaceted Caribbean logistics platform** aligned with contemporary global supply‑chain demands.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Draft
- **General Cargo Quay:** 4 berths, 10 m draft, equipped with hydraulic cargo lifts (15 t – 30 t).
- **Container Terminal:** 2 deep‑water berths, 12 m draft, fitted with a 22‑container‑wide gantry crane and two mobile harbour cranes (30 t).
- **Ro‑Ro & Cruise Facilities:** 1 dedicated berth with a 9 m draft, multiple gangways for passenger vessels, and a adjacent **customs clearance hall** for cruise passenger processing.
- **Oil & Petrochemical Terminal:** 3 berths, 13 m draft, featuring vapor recovery units and double‑hull storage tanks (total capacity 120 k m³).
### Storage and Handling
- **Warehouse Space:** 25 ha of covered storage, including climate‑controlled units for perishables and high‑value goods.
- **Yard Layout:** 18 ha of open‑yard container stacking, supporting up to **30,000 TEU** on a yearly basis, with loop‑track access for tractor‑trolley fleets.
### Ancillary Services
- **Ship‑Shore Power (SSP):** Installed in 2022, reducing bunker emissions by up to 15 % for docked vessels.
- **Pilotage and Tug Assistance:** 24‑hour pilot service with a fleet of 4 twin‑screw tugs (300 t bollard pull).
- **Customs & Inspection:** Integrated with the **Dutch Customs and Tax Administration**, providing electronic data interchange (EDI) and risk‑based cargo inspection.
The port’s integrated infrastructure enables rapid turnaround—averaging **18 hours** for a 5,000‑TEU feeder vessel—while maintaining compliance with both Dutch and international maritime standards.
## Economic Importance
### Trade Volume and Value
According to the **UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2023**, the Port of Curaçao handled **approximately 8.6 million metric tonnes** of cargo in 2022, translating to a trade value of **US$ 9.2 billion**. Container throughput peaked at **2.4 million TEU**, reflecting the port’s role as a critical transshipment point for the **Caribbean‑Latin America corridor**.
### Employment and Fiscal Impact
The port directly sustains **over 3,500 jobs**, ranging from dockworkers and logistics managers to maritime engineers and customs officers. Indirect employment—spanning shipping agents, freight forwarders, and tourism—adds another estimated **5,000 positions**. Fiscal contributions include **annual port revenues of US$ 150 million**, which feed into the Curaçao fiscal budget, supporting infrastructure development and social programs.
### Strategic Sectors
- **Oil & Gas:** The offshore support hub for **Venezuelan and Caribbean petrochemical projects** channels bunker fuel, drilling supplies, and waste management through Curaçao’s dedicated terminals.
- **Cruise Tourism:** In 2023, the port welcomed **1.2 million cruise passengers**, underscoring its importance in the Caribbean cruise itinerary network.
- **Free‑Zone Logistics:** Companies exploiting the **Curaçao Free Zone** leverage the port’s customs‑friendly environment to re‑export electronics, automotive parts, and pharmaceuticals to the wider Americas.
Collectively, these sectors position the Port of Curaçao as both a **gateway for regional trade** and a **catalyst for economic diversification** within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Shipping Lanes
| Origin/Destination | Main Vessel Type | Frequency (2023) |
|--------------------|------------------|-------------------|
| **Rotterdam – Curaçao** | VLCC / Suezmax | 8 per month |
| **Houston – Curaçao** | Aframax Tanker | 12 per month |
| **Panama Canal – Curaçao** | Container Feeder | 45 per month |
| **Caracas – Curaçao** | General Cargo / Ro‑Ro | 30 per month |
| **Miami – Curaçao** | Cruise & LCL Container | 20 per month |
The port serves as a **nexus between the Atlantic trade lanes and the inland waterway systems of South America**, facilitating cargo flows between Europe, North America, and the northern part of South America.
### Dominant Cargo Types
- **Petroleum Products:** Diesel, gasoline, and bunker fuel make up **≈ 45 %** of total tonnage, reflecting the island’s historic oil refining capacity.
- **Containerized Goods:** Electronics, machinery, and consumer goods dominate the **≈ 30 %** container share, largely transshipped from European and North‑American origins.
- **Bulk Commodities:** Alumina, limestone, and agricultural products (e.g., bananas, citrus) account for **≈ 15 %**, sourced chiefly from Caribbean and Venezuelan exporters.
- **Cruise Passengers & Perishables:** The passenger terminal processes **≈ 10 %** of total cargo in the form of fresh produce and beverages destined for cruise ship provisioning.
### Emerging Trends
- **Renewable Energy Components:** In line with the Caribbean’s **green transition**, the port has witnessed a surge in wind‑turbine blade imports and solar‑panel shipments, projected to grow 12 % annually through 2027.
- **Digital Trade Documentation:** Adoption of blockchain‑based **Bill of Lading** platforms is improving transparency and reducing clearance times, aligning Curaçao with the **Port Community System (PCS)** standards advocated by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
For a detailed overview of cargo statistics and maritime traffic, see the **UNCTADstat** database (https://unctadstat.unctad.org).
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*The Port of Curaçao remains a dynamic, well‑equipped maritime hub whose deep‑water capabilities, diversified cargo profile, and strategic location underpin its pivotal role in Caribbean and inter‑regional trade.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ANCUR
Country
Netherlands Antilles
Province / Region
Curaçao
Latitude
12.122422
Longitude
-68.882423
Timezone
America/Curacao
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Curacao?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Curacao is ANCUR.
Where is Port of Curacao located?
The Port of Curacao is located in Netherlands Antilles, Curaçao. Its coordinates are 12.1224°N, -68.8824°E.
What time zone is Port of Curacao in?
Port of Curacao operates in the America/Curacao time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height1.34 m
Wave Direction101°
Swell Height0.44 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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