2BAYS and CurAqua sign agreement to bring land-based aquaculture to Curaçao
2BAYS Curaçao and CurAqua B.V. have signed a long-term agreement for a site at Bullen Bay, where CurAqua will develop the first commercial-scale land-based finfish farm in the Caribbean to cultivateYellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi), a premium species prized for sashimi and raw preparations, and known internationally as Hiramasa. Production will focus primarily on premium export markets in the United States and Europe, while also supplying local and regional markets.
The project introduces a new sustainable industry for Curaçao. Once fully operational the facility could create more than 80 direct and indirect jobs. CurAqua will now move forward with permitting, environmental studies and detailed design.
“Curaçao imports a significant share of the seafood it consumes. At the same time, we have the water, the climate and the people to build a new aquaculture industry here. I grew up in these islands, and building it here rather than somewhere else was never really a question. Local excellence, global impact: that has been the idea from the start.”
Gunnar Bracelly, Founder and Managing Director, CurAqua B.V.
Curaçao offers favorable conditions for land-based aquaculture. The island is located outside the hurricane belt and has a stable year-round climate, providing important conditions for a facility designed to operate continuously. Bullen Bay combines this with an established industrial location, existing infrastructure, sufficient space for phased development and access to deep seawater close to shore. Together, these conditions make Bullen Bay well suited for the development of a land-based aquaculture facility.
“Bullen Bay has served Curaçao’s economy for decades, and our ambition is to build on that legacy by developing the site into a diversified, future-oriented industrial location. Welcoming CurAqua and bringing a completely new industry to Bullen Bay is a good example of that direction. We are pleased to welcome CurAqua as a new tenant at Bullen Bay.”
Patrick Newton, Managing Director, 2BAYS Curaçao N.V.
Phased growth with local expertise
The facility is planned to be developed in phases, starting with an annual production capacity of approximately 400 metric tonsand designed to scale up to approximately 1,600 metric tons per year.
At the initial production scale, CurAqua expects the project to create more than 22 direct and indirect jobs. As the facility scales up to approximately 1,600 metric tons per year, this is expected to increase to more than 80 direct and indirect jobs.
The roles are expected to range from system operators and biology technicians to maintenance engineers, processing employees and administrative staff. CurAqua intends to recruit and train employees locally and plans to work with educational institutions in Curaçao to help develop the skills needed for the new industry.
“Projects such as CurAqua demonstrate the type of economic diversification Curaçao is seeking to facilitate: investment that introduces new productive activity, develops local expertise, strengthens our export capacity and creates opportunities for our people. CINEX is pleased to have supported the facilitation of this investment and will continue working with CurAqua, 2BAYS and the relevant stakeholders as the project progresses through its next phases.”
Miles Mercera, CEO, CINEX
Protecting our environment
Environmental stewardship is an important part of the project's design. The facility will use a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), in which fish are raised in tanks on land and most of the water is continuously filtered, treated and reused. CurAqua also intends to incorporate renewable energy, pursue international sustainability certifications and apply circular-economy principles where possible.
Construction is expected to begin once the required permits and approvals have been obtained.
About CurAqua B.V.
CurAqua B.V. is a land-based aquaculture company focused on the sustainable production of premium seafood using advanced Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology. The company combines technology, responsible resource use and controlled production methods to produce high-quality seafood in a sustainable and scalable way.
About 2BAYS Curaçao N.V.
2BAYS Curaçao N.V. manages and develops the Bullen Bay and Emmastad industrial sites in Curaçao. 2BAYS focuses on the development of these locations as diversified industrial sites, attracting new businesses and investments while building on their existing infrastructure and strategic assets.
