Government halts ferry bidding process between Aruba and Curaçao

ORANJESTAD – The Government of Aruba has officially halted the bidding process for the proposed ferry connection between Aruba and Curaçao after all bids exceeded the estimated budget by more than 20 percent. According to an official notice issued on July 29, 2026, Aruba's procurement rules require the government to terminate the bidding process when submitted offers exceed the legal financial threshold. The bidding process sought a consulting firm to carry out technical, legal and financial feasibility studies for a passenger ferry service between Aruba and Curaçao. The consultant would also have prepared the next phase to select the company that would ultimately operate the ferry.

Project not cancelled

The government's decision does not mean the ferry project itself has been cancelled. It only applies to the current bidding process for the consultancy contract. Aruba and Curaçao launched the initiative in late 2025 as a regional project intended to strengthen tourism, trade and transportation between the two islands, with initial funding provided by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Impact on Aruba

Halting the bidding process will likely delay the project. Under the original schedule, the ferry operator was expected to be selected during 2027. Without the consultancy phase, the remaining stages of the project are expected to move forward later than planned. For Aruba, this means continued reliance on air transportation between the islands, while both governments have viewed the ferry as a way to reduce travel costs, improve regional mobility and stimulate tourism and trade.