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Port of Willemstad

CWWIL🇨🇼Curaçao

Port Location

About Port of Willemstad

Also known as: Willemstad

Willemstad is a natural harbor on Curaçao, established in 1634. It serves as a key transshipment point for various cargo types, including bulk, container, and liquid bulk. The port accommodates a wide range of vessels, from tankers to passenger ships, and features medium-sized facilities with mobile cranes.

Background
Willemstad is the capital and largest city of Curaçao, an island in the southern Caribbean Sea that is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was the capital of the Netherlands Antilles prior to that entity's dissolution in 2010. The city counts to have around 90% of Curaçao's population, with 136,660 inhabitants as of 2011. The historic centre of the city consists of four quarters: the Punda and Otrobanda, which are separated by the Sint Anna Bay, an inlet that leads into the large natural harbour called the Schottegat, as well as the Scharloo and Pietermaai Smal quarters, which are across from each other on the smaller Waaigat harbour. Willemstad is home to the Curaçao synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas. The city centre, with its unique architecture and harbour entry, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
13.71m
Elevation
6m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Unknown
Pilotage Compulsory
Unknown
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Floating
Drydock
U
Repair Code
C
Terminals
1

History

Established
1634

Terminals

CURACAO PORT SERVICES

CURACAO PORT SERVICES INC.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
CWWIL
Country
🇨🇼Curaçao
Time Zone
UTC-4
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Open roadstead
Shelter
Poor

Region

Area
North Coast South America
Body of Water
Schottegat
Latitude
12.1155°
Longitude
-68.9280°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
11821 →
GeoNames ID
11525726 →
Wikidata
Q132679 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Willemstad?+
The controlling depth at Willemstad is 13.71 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Willemstad?+
The approach to Willemstad is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Waterfort Lighthouse at 0.9 NM to the SSW. Other aids include Kaap Sint Marie (8.8 NM WNW), Punt Kanon (12 NM ESE), Klein Curaçao (18.3 NM ESE), Noordpunt (20.9 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Willemstad on?+
The Port of Willemstad is situated on the Caribbean Sea in CW. The area falls within the tropical climate zone with warm waters and seasonal monsoons, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Willemstad?+
You can track vessels near Willemstad (CWWIL) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for CWWIL on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Willemstad?+
The Port of Willemstad operates in the UTC-4 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Willemstad?+
WILLEMSTAD (UN/Locode: CWWIL), Curaçao is a seaport located at approximately 12.11550° N, -68.92800° E.
Where is the Port of Willemstad located?+
Coordinates: 12.11550° N, -68.92800° E. Nearby terminals/ports:CARACAS BAY — UN/Locode: CWCRB — 12.07450° N, -68.85650° ECURACAO — UN/Locode: CWCUR — 12.17000° N, -69.00000° EBULLENBAY — UN/Locode: CWBUB — 12.18845° N, -69.02615° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Willemstad?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Breakwater and Medium. Cranes: mobile cranes. Lifting: 25–49 MT lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 14m - 15.2m; anchorage depth 11m - 12.2m; cargo pier depth 14m - 15.2m; oil terminal depth 12.5m - 13.7m and maximum draft approx. 13.71 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Willemstad?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Willemstad?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: not available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: available; deratting certificate: available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Willemstad?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker and Tugs Harbor Craft.