WILLEMSTAD - The proposed ferry connection between Aruba and Curaçao has moved a step closer to reality. Both countries have agreed to a joint plan to establish a permanent maritime link between the islands. The project aims to improve accessibility for passengers and cargo and strengthen economic and social cooperation in the region.
The Councils of Ministers of Aruba and Curaçao have approved the action plan. This has also secured funding for the first phase of the project. The Netherlands is contributing to the costs of the preparatory research through the so-called Country Package.
Feasibility Study
The first phase consists of a joint feasibility study, which will examine technical viability, economic feasibility, and environmental impacts, among other factors.
A process is also being prepared for public tender, with the goal of attracting a ferry operator who can provide a reliable and future-proof connection between the two islands.
In addition to technical and financial analyses, the coming period will also focus on consultations with relevant parties, such as ports, the transportation sector, and other stakeholders. If the study yields positive results, the tender process will follow.
Previous Experiences
Previous experiences with ferry connections in the Caribbean region show that such projects are vulnerable when framework conditions are not properly arranged. Existing services, such as those between Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, have repeatedly experienced technical failures and temporary shutdowns.
Structural financing also proved to be a bottleneck: reduced subsidies led to higher ticket prices and pressure on affordability for residents. Additionally, practical problems around customs and immigration processing, staffing, and scheduling played a role, preventing planned sailings from taking place.
These experiences underscore that a ferry between Aruba and Curaçao must not only be technically feasible, but also financially sustainable and organizationally well-aligned with maritime conditions, border procedures, and the daily realities of travelers and freight transport.
