WILLEMSTAD - Refineria di Kòrsou N.V., operating under the name 2Bays Curaçao N.V., is currently in the process of obtaining a new environmental nuisance permit (hindervergunning) for its oil terminal at Bullenbaai. While no final decision has yet been made, the extensive advisory input from multiple government bodies demonstrates that authorities are applying a rigorous evaluation to the proposed restart of industrial activities at the site.
The ongoing review represents an intermediate phase in which economic interests and environmental protection requirements are being carefully balanced, reflecting the government’s commitment to responsible industrial development.
The permit application for the terminal remains in the draft stage. It has been made publicly available, and several ministries have submitted their technical and environmental assessments. However, a final nuisance permit has not yet been issued. Officials emphasize that the terminal’s operations can only be fully regulated once the permit revision process is completed.
The procedure formally began with an official announcement indicating that Refineria di Kòrsou N.V. had applied for a revised permit under the Curaçao Nuisance Ordinance. The draft request, including attachments such as the preliminary permit and submitted advisory opinions, will be available for public inspection for one month at the Environmental and Nature Management Implementation Organization (UO-MNB). During this period, the public will have the opportunity to submit comments or objections.
The Bullenbaai terminal, which has been in operation since 1930, consists of approximately 25 storage tanks and six loading jetties used for the handling and transshipment of oil products.
Government advisories show that several agencies have issued recommendations:
The Department of Spatial Planning & Development (ROP) confirmed that the site lies within an officially designated industrial zone and that the proposed activities are consistent with the permitted land use.
The Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) verified that 2Bays Curaçao holds a historic establishment permit granted in 1985, allowing continued operation at the location.
The Ministry of Public Works (OW) provided a detailed technical and environmental report emphasizing safety, supervision, and water management.
Public Works advised that process installations, pipelines, storage tanks, and pressure vessels must remain under the supervision of the Stoomwezen (Inspection for Steam and Pressure Equipment). Because Curaçao lacks current regulations for vapor systems, the ministry proposed including these requirements under the new nuisance permit.
Additional recommendations include strict wastewater management standards, mandatory reporting of incidents, and a requirement that 2Bays Curaçao establish a fully operational water treatment system within five years.
The review of the Bullenbaai permit marks a critical stage in determining the future of Curaçao’s industrial and environmental governance — setting the tone for how the island will balance economic revitalization with environmental responsibility in the years ahead.
