WILLEMSTAD – Recently the Minister of Economic Development, Eugene Rhuggenaath was on a working visit in the Netherlands, where he had the opportunity to meet with Damen Shipyards Gorinchem.

According to Rhuggenaath a project team should assess how a possible strategic partnership between Damen Shipyard Gorinchem and the Curaçao Drydock Company (CDM) might take form.

In 2009, when Rhuggenaath was Island Commissioner responsible for Economy and Tourism, the Government of the Island Territory of Curaçao, which was part of the Netherlands Antilles, embarked on a shortened privatization process through a competitive public procurement.

At that time Damen came out as the best option. They had already drawn up a business plan. In 2010 that process was halted by the then government. Meanwhile the dry dock facilities in ship repair have been deteriorating and an inventory must be taken of the current condition of these facilities.

Rhuggenaath indicates that the project team will meet in January here in Curacao to determine a further roadmap.

We don’t have to reinvent the wheels, said the minister. “We can use the business plan as guidance in this new approach.”

If Damen is prepared to commit to a long-lease agreement, of course, that will also be accompanied by the necessary financial contributions. Thus, one should also look at the poor state of the floating dock, which has been struggling with defects for years.

Bron: CuracaoChronicle