WILLEMSTAD – The Government of Curaçao and state-owned company 2Bays Curaçao have confirmed that Vigor Midstream Inc., formerly known as Oryx, officially took over operations of the Emmastad refinery facilities as of July 1, 2025. The move marks a major milestone in the 30-year lease agreement signed between the two parties last year. 

In a rare public statement, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas has expressed full confidence in the agreement and in the role 2Bays has played in managing the transition. According to an official communiqué from the Ministry of General Affairs, the Prime Minister commended Vigor's professionalism, reliability, and ambition throughout the implementation phase of the lease. 

“This is a significant step in the execution of the Lease Agreement,” Pisas stated, referring to the agreement signed on July 1, 2024, between 2Bays Curaçao and what was then still Oryx. The company officially rebranded to Vigor in May 2025, although the name change has not yet been reflected in Curaçao’s commercial registry. 

Full Government Support Behind 2Bays and Vigor 

According to 2Bays interim director Patrick Newton, Vigor has provided all necessary guarantees, including proof of funds, access to raw materials, and has complied with all financial and contractual obligations. Newton conveyed this assurance directly to the government, which has now publicly endorsed the strategic partnership. 

The latest development follows the successful transfer of operations at the Bullenbaai oil terminal to Vigor on December 1, 2024. With the Emmastad handover now complete, the implementation of the Lease Agreement is considered “largely on track,” according to the Prime Minister. 

A New Chapter for Curaçao’s Oil Facilities 

The long-term lease of Curaçao’s key oil infrastructure—both the Bullenbaai terminal and the Emmastad refinery—marks a new chapter in the island’s energy sector. The deal was signed with Qatari businessman Ghanim Saad M. Alsaad Al-Kuwari, who leads Vigor and brings decades of industry experience to the venture. 

While the government had previously remained quiet on matters concerning the refinery and oil terminal, this latest announcement underscores Pisas’ full support for the 2Bays-Vigor partnership and the long-term vision to revitalize the island’s energy sector. 

As operations now move forward under Vigor’s leadership, expectations are high that the transition will bring economic stability, job opportunities, and renewed international investment to Curaçao’s energy industry.