Minister Cooper doing the honours.
WILLEMSTAD--One of Curaçao’s most recognisable landmarks has entered a new phase following major modernisation work on the Queen Emma Bridge, including a completely renewed electrical system and replacement of propulsion equipment that had been in service for nearly four decades.
Minister of Traffic, Transport and Spatial Planning VVRP Charles Cooper marked the milestone together with Marco Hoogendoorn of Holland Shipyards Group and representatives of the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA). The project included the complete renewal of the floating bridge’s electrical system, with approximately four kilometres of new cabling installed.
The new electrical infrastructure supplies power to several essential systems, including the bridge’s new propulsion system, security cameras, safety barriers and lighting. Street-lights on the bridge, navigation lights and other lighting systems have also been upgraded with LED technology, improving efficiency while modernising the historic structure.
One of the most significant changes is the installation of an electric propulsion system. A new pontoon was constructed specifically to accommodate the equipment. This replaces engines that had been operating since 1987, meaning the previous propulsion equipment was in service for almost 40 years.
Major mechanical components on both the Punda and Otrobanda sides were also inspected, renovated and modernised. The work is intended to improve the reliability of the swing bridge and ensure that it can continue operating safely in the years ahead.
The Queen Emma Bridge, also known as “Swinging Old Lady”, serves both as a vital pedestrian connection between Punda and Otrobanda and as one of Curaçao’s best-known historic attractions. Unlike a conventional drawbridge, it swings open to allow ships to enter and leave the harbour, making the propulsion system essential for daily operations.
The modernisation represents an important investment in preserving the historic character of the Queen Emma Bridge while replacing ageing technical infrastructure with modern equipment. The work by Holland Shipyards Group and government-owned CPA has focused on extending the operational life of the bridge while improving the reliability of the electrical, mechanical, propulsion and safety systems that keep the landmark functioning.
