The Executive Council of the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) proudly announces that the transfer of the former BOPEC site to Curoil Bonaire Terminals N.V. was formalized on October 30, 2025. This agreement, which includes the transfer of the leasehold rights and the commencement of a large-scale remediation project, marks a historic step toward a sustainable and prosperous future for Bonaire.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for our island,” stated the Executive Council. “We have achieved an integrated and financially secured solution for one of Bonaire’s most complex environmental challenges. The remediation and the restart of the terminal go hand in hand, creating an unprecedented win-win situation for our people, our economy, and our environment.”
Environmental and Financial Security for Future Generations
The agreement ensures that the urgent soil and groundwater contamination at the BOPEC site will be properly addressed. The Executive Council has approved the establishment of the BOPEC Parcels Remediation Foundation, which will carry out the cleanup in accordance with a plan developed by expert consultants.
– Financial Safeguard: A total of EUR 22.68 million (including a 20% contingency) has been earmarked from the BOPEC bankruptcy estate to finance the remediation. This ensures that the costs of repairing this historic environmental damage will not be passed on to future generations or the Bonairian taxpayer.
– Environmental Protection: The cleanup focuses on high-priority environmental risks, including partial remediation of the so-called sludge pit. Moreover, regulatory authorities — including the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) — have approved the remediation plan, legally anchoring the cleanup of the historical pollution.
Fuel Security and Economic Boost
The takeover by Curoil Bonaire Terminals N.V. (a subsidiary of Curoil) represents a strategic advancement for the entire Caribbean region and, most importantly, for Bonaire itself.
– Fuel Security: The restart of the terminal strengthens Bonaire’s long-term fuel and energy security — a key policy objective.
– Economic Activity: The terminal, located near Rincon, will serve as a vital engine for local economic development and investment on Bonaire, particularly benefiting the Rincon area.
Special Opportunities for Rincon: Employment and Renewed Confidence
The Executive Council is pleased that this restart also brings direct, positive effects for the local community, especially for Rincon and its surroundings.
– Employment: Curoil intends to retain the majority of BOPEC’s current employees by offering them new employment contracts, ensuring long-term job security and stability.
– Financial Relief for Former Employees: A key part of the agreement includes the receiver’s commitment to pay outstanding claims from former employees — including overdue wages — before the end of this year. This long-awaited development brings long-term financial relief and peace of mind to many families.
This milestone has been achieved through close collaboration and dedicated efforts by the Executive Council, the receiver, and Curoil. The formal transfer of the leasehold rights to Curoil Bonaire Terminals N.V. took place today, October 30, 2025, officially marking the start of this sustainable redevelopment plan.
Press release: Government of Bonaire
