Curaçao shipyards plan crane upgrade under USD 23 million modernisation programme

Damen Shiprepair Curaçao and CDM Holding have selected Liebherr as preferred supplier for new rail-mounted tower cranes as part of a wider yard infrastructure modernisation programme valued at USD 23 million (EUR 21.16 million).
The project will replace several ageing cranes at the Curaçao shipyard complex, including crane number 7 at B-Dock, which has been in operation since 1982. Yard operators said the upgrade will increase lifting capacity, improve operational precision and enhance safety standards across the facilities.
Damen Shiprepair Curaçao, CDM Holding and Liebherr have signed a letter of intent confirming their intention to proceed with the crane supply agreement, while final contract documentation is currently being completed.
The cranes are expected to support more efficient handling of heavy components during maintenance, conversion and shiprepair projects, particularly on larger vessels visiting the Caribbean hub.
The selection of Liebherr was confirmed during an official visit to the facilities by Curaçao’s minister of economic development, Roderick Middelhof.
“The upgrade significantly improves dock turnaround times and reinforces Curaçao’s ability to service larger and more technically complex vessels as Damen Shiprepair Curaçao operates one of the most important drydock facilities in the southern Caribbean,” Liebherr said.