Netherlands in hot water after sanctioned tanker arrives in Curaçao
In the media image: Timon Studler on Unsplash
The Netherlands is facing criticism after a tanker carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil docked in Curaçao. Hilde Woker, assistant professor and an expert on the law of the sea, calls the incident 'contentious' in NRC newspaper and disputes the US interpretation of international law.
Although Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom, the Netherlands bears joint responsibility for Curaçao's foreign relations. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs Dutch newspaper NRC that this commercial transaction falls under the autonomous powers of Curaçao.
The tanker with Venezuelan oil recently arrived in the port of Curaçao, where the cargo is temporarily being stored under the supervision of the United States. Critics believe that this is giving the wrong signal, because the tanker – part of the shadow fleet – is subject to sanctions and that its arrival in Curaçao is seen as circumventing sanctions and violating international law.
However, the island's prime minister sees great economic opportunities and says the operation is part of his drive to reactivate the port, which has been idle for years, economically and breathe new life into it.
'The US claims it can seize cargo from flagless ships,' says Woker, calling it a 'controversial interpretation of international maritime law. By accepting the oil, Curaçao is facilitating the disputed sale of Venezuelan oil. That’s highly contentious.'
More information?
Read the full article in NRC newspaper (€, in Dutch)