Curaçao Maritime Association (CMAR)

New maritime association for Curaçao

It’s a formation that was, perhaps, long overdue, but the Curaçao Maritime Association (CMAR) is now a reality.

Formally registered last November, CMAR is a new member-based association comprising both domestic and international maritime service providers, carriers, stevedores, terminal operators, shipping agents, tug and barge operators, and other related organizations.

The Association is working closely with local Government agencies, the Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the island’s private sector to promote the growth and wellbeing of the maritime-related community.

And its formation has already received a warm welcome by the authorities. Says CMAR president Johan Stegmeijer: “The Government response was very positive to the foundation of our Association. We have presented ourselves officially to the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) and to Minister Steven Martina and his staff. He has kindly requested if we could work together with them to develop and provide substantial content to the Maritime Section of the Curaçao Export Strategy. As such, we believe we will need to frequently discuss with the MEO, Ministry of Traffic, Transport & Urban Planning (VVRP) and the Prime Minister’s Office several challenges faced by the maritime sector.

Initiatives

CMAR promotes initiatives to advance the interests of its members, and to achieve world-class safety and technology levels in terms of standards and practices. The programs and initiatives toward the development of industry professionals have played a pivotal role in the evolution of Curaçao’s business sector.

CMAR already has around 30 members, and its board is made up of various well-known local industry figures comprising the aforementioned Johan Stegmeijer, Lodewijk Franken (vice president), Stephan van Dijk (treasurer), Ronald Hania (secretary), and Rob Sint Jago. The board will serve a two-year term before standing for re-election. Its first AGM was due to take place 21 January 2021 (but was postponed due to Covid-19) and there was a New Year cocktail party at the CMAR head office where there is also the “maritime Palapa Bar” meeting point for members.

The Association has been impressively quick out of the starting blocks and has already announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Holland House Mexico. The aim of this MOU is to support the member companies of both organizations as well as build relationships between the associates. Members of CMAR and Holland House Mexico (an independent trade promotion and investment body) will have access to events set up by both organizations and the two aim to further strengthen the relationship among Dutch companies in the wider Caribbean region.

Appeal

CMAR aims to have broad appeal. Says Stegmeijer: “Any company with specific interest in maritime business in Curaçao can become a member. Being a member means an opening of a network of maritime organizations in Curaçao. We open doors for the members.” In this regard, CMAR has applied for and then attained membership in December of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA). This membership has huge benefits for all CMAR members who can now join both of the important CSA Conferences each year.

Besides that, each member can use the training platform offered by the CSA. For low cost or no cost, members can benefit from a broad range of different maritime industry training schemes. In fact, training is a key aim of the CMAR in order to improve skill levels among the employees of its members as well as the employees of non-members.

The Association is a group of leaders from the maritime/shipping industry who bring to the table a variety of talents, experiences and expertise. There are specialist committees that assist the Board in terms of specific assignments within the industry.

In particular, CMAR wishes to bring more international maritime business to Curaçao by working together and offering attractive proposals to execute work in or even beyond the island. Negotiation of collective agreements with waterfront trade unions, port pilots in the control of maritime traffic and the imposition of industry charges or tariffs by either the Curaçao Port Authority, the Legislative Assembly, federal agencies and or by the Government of Curaçao.

CMAR also aims to play an important role as representative of an industry crucial to Curaçao economic success, maintaining a positive image, while showing leadership in regard to social responsibility and the environment.

CMAR clearly has lofty ideals and ambitions, but these will be needed as Curaçao seeks to position itself for a changed post-Covid-19 maritime world.

CMAR’s vision

To be the premier professional, client-oriented, economically attractive service organization in the maritime industry, growing ports across Curaçao with a professional and economic labor force, efficiently providing services, efficiently moving cargo in sustainable harbors flourishing with natural resources. 

A long-time coming

CMAR president Johan Stegmeijer explains why there has been no such Curaçao association until now: “The Curaçao maritime sector consists of a few dozen small-to-medium size service providers. Historically these were connected to influential families and, as such, there was no real need to unite.

“Nowadays, the number of service providers has grown significantly and with the decline in the oil and gas market and the stand-still at the refinery, the challenges have increased. Specifically, during a coronavirus dominated 2020, we have felt the need to join forces to speak as one voice and communicate our needs in order to become a stronger market.

“So, we started organizing maritime get togethers in our local Palapa Bar every three months where one company is hosting and presenting themselves. This was very successful. We knew that there was an organization already on the island but its kind of sleeping and non-active. Also, the MEO told us that they can’t talk to the private sector if we are not organized. So, we decided to set up CMAR.”