THE HAGUE – The modernization of the Shipping Act (Schepenwet) for the Kingdom of the Netherlands will not have negative economic or financial consequences for Curaçao. This assurance was given by Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Robert Tieman, in response to concerns raised by PNP and MAN parliamentary factions in Curaçao. 

As a Kingdom Act, the revised Shipping Act requires input from all parliaments within the Kingdom, including Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. So far, only the PNP and MAN factions from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom have submitted formal questions. 

“This legislative proposal could have an economic impact on Curaçao. Was consideration given to Curaçao’s economic and financial interests during the drafting of this law? This is important, as the maritime sector plays a crucial role in our island’s economy,” stated the MAN party. The PNP faction expressed concern that small entrepreneurs, such as local fishermen, might be negatively affected. 

However, Minister Tieman clarified that no adverse effects are expected. He noted that the new law applies only to ships sailing under the Kingdom’s flag, and that Curaçao’s ship registry contains only a limited number of such vessels. Therefore, the changes will have minimal impact on the local sector. 

Tieman also emphasized that both the Maritime Authority of Curaçao and the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environment (VROM) were extensively consulted during the legislative process. He reassured stakeholders that the interests of Curaçao were taken into account throughout the development of the proposal.