Fueling the war, shaping the future

During the war, the oil refineries on Curaçao and Aruba played a crucial role in supplying fuel to Allied forces. Operating around the clock, these refineries became essential links in the global war effort. The scale of their production—and the rapid expansion of facilities—drove an economic boom on both islands, attracting workers, increasing infrastructure, and bringing global recognition to the region.

This industrial growth laid the foundation for lasting change. What began as a wartime necessity helped transform the economies of Aruba and Curaçao, positioning both islands as vital players in global energy supply.

This growth wasn’t only industrial—it also laid the groundwork for long-term economic change. The refinery’s success brought jobs, infrastructure, and a new sense of global relevance to the island. It was a moment that shifted Curaçao’s role from a colonial outpost to a strategic economic hub.

The birth of offshore finance

One lesser-known but important development was the so-called ‘transfer of company seats.’ To protect Dutch and Indonesian companies from occupation, many moved their official headquarters to Curaçao. This move—intended as a wartime safeguard—marked the quiet beginnings of what would later become the island’s offshore financial sector.

Business publications and legal documents from this time reflect the seriousness of the effort, showing how Curaçao began to attract international attention not only for its refinery, but also as a safe place to do business during turbulent times.

From confidence to autonomy

Economic success during the war years contributed to growing local confidence and a stronger voice within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Queen Wilhelmina’s wartime speech — ‘Steunend op eigen kracht, doch met de wil elkander bij te staan’ (‘Relying on our own strength, but with the will to support each other’) — became a symbol of this emerging sense of self-determination.

At the same time, high-profile visits underscored Curaçao’s rising status. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard, visited the island during the war—further recognizing its strategic and political importance at this pivotal moment in history.

Click on the blocks below for more info about these artifacts.