The Arend Petroleum Company Ltd. was originally established in 1927 as "Compania Mexicana de Petrol el Aquila" on the island of Aruba. However, it underwent a name change and became more commonly known as "Arend" or "Eagle". The Arend was a subsidiary of the Royal Dutch Shell Group.[1] The government generously granted a broad coastal strip at Druif Beach[2] of approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) in length.
In 1927, a lively development started near Oranjestad, located on the coast of the island of Aruba. This development would ultimately have a significant influence on the daily life of this small town, bringing notable changes to employment opportunities for many residents and equally substantial changes to their prospects for livelihood.[3]
Isaac Wagemaker, lieutenant governor (1930)
Oranjestad underwent substantial transformation, becoming a densely populated city. It hosted three banks: the Dutch Bank for the West Indies (represented by John Eman), Curiël's Bank (represented by W. Craane), and Maduro's Bank (represented by Adriaan Laclé). Notable trading houses included Laclé, Arends, Debrot and Hart, Craane, Mansur, and Luis Posner. Ruiz' ice factory expanded and incorporated state-of-the-art machinery.
Both a public school and a Roman Catholic school were established. Besides Papiamento, it appeared that English was on the verge of surpassing Dutch as the dominant language.
Isaac Wagemaker served as the lieutenant governor of Aruba from 1928 to 1945, actively striving to ensure Aruba kept pace with the times.[4]
Construction and infrastructure
To the west of Paardenbaai, cargo ships anchored, and a significant amount of construction material was transported from them to the shore using smaller boats called lighters. With this material, the construction of the Taratata Shipyard, which has become well known in Aruba, commenced as the first building project at the location.
Former Taratata area west of Paardenbaai (1912)
Soon after the completion of the Taratata Shipyard, a continuous flow of essential heavy equipment for constructing an oil refinery, including tanks and an oil loading and unloading jetty, started arriving at the newly built dock from cargo ships.
Unloading reaction chamber from steamer at former Taratata wharf
Similar to the neighboring island of Curaçao, Aruba is strategically positioned in relation to the abundant oil fields in Venezuela. The favorable location of the Arend Petroleum Company near Oranjestad was a direct result of this advantage. Additionally, the significant role played by the increasing global demand for oil products during the early 20th century further motivated this establishment.
A prominent coastal point, located approximately 2 kilometres (1.2mi) west of the Taratata Shipyard, was chosen as the site for constructing an oil pier for the refinery. In early 1928, after completing the pier and the necessary pipeline system, the first shipment of crude oil from Venezuela arrived here for storage in the tanks of Arend Petroleum Company. These tanks had also been constructed further inland. The oil pier mentioned was a steel structure that extends 400 meters into the open sea in an "F" shape. It was specifically designed to handle two large ocean tankers for transporting processed oil products, as well as two small tanker ships called lake tankers for importing crude oil from Venezuela. This configuration allows for simultaneous loading and unloading operations to take place.[3] At first, the construction personnel stayed in temporary sheds and tents on Druifbaai Beach while building the pier and refinery. As the company's residential houses were completed in the initial months, they relocated to the Eagle village situated between the factory site and Oranjestad.
Ocean view. Railway F-shaped Eagle Pier
Shore view. Eagle Pier
Capacity
Aerial view of Storage tanks and village in the distance (upper-right) (1940–1945)
The refinery included a "Trumble" crude oil distillation facility[5] (a less efficient and environmental friendly process than crude oil distillation unit (CDU)), a boiler house for steam supply, an electric power plant for lighting and power generation, an oxygen and ice factory, as well as necessary pumping installations, warehouses, workshops, office spaces, and several oil storage tanks with a total capacity of 350,000 cubic metres (12,000,000cuft). After intensive work, the refinery was finished in the early months of 1928. It was put into operation in May of that year, showing promising results. Shortly thereafter, it achieved a processing capacity of 3,000 tons of crude oil per day, producing fuel oil, gas oil, diesel oil, and gasoline. Three tanker ships, each with a capacity of 2600 tons, were developed for transporting crude oil from oil fields around Lake Maracaibo to Aruba. After the refinery and fleet were put into operation, marking the completion of the initial construction phase of Arend Petroleum Company, the production remained at its full capacity for the following seven years as described earlier.[6]
Headquarter of CPIM in Curaçao (1955)
However, in 1935, there were some changes. The expansions undertaken by Curaçao Petroleum Industries Company Ltd.[nl; fr; es] (CPIM) and Lago Oil and Transport Company Ltd. in Curacao and Aruba, respectively, led to a slight decrease in the supply of crude oil to the smaller "Arend" refinery. From 1935 to 1938, the company had to adjust to more modest processing and could not always operate at its maximum capacity.
Cracking installation (1935)
In order to meet the growing global demand for a wider range of end products, the refinery underwent an expansion in 1935. Alongside the existing Trumble distillation facility, a cracking unit was built. In the subsequent years, from 1936 to 1938, the tank storage facility was also expanded to accommodate larger quantities and a greater variety of products, resulting in a total storage capacity of over 700,000 cubic metres (25,000,000cuft). By early 1939, a more consistent supply of crude oil was achieved, allowing the company to operate at full capacity once again. This momentum continued until the end of 1942. Following the onset of World War II, the production of Arend Petroleum Company was progressively oriented towards meeting the high demand for oil in wartime activities.[7]
Attack on Druif/Eagle beach
WI 329 – Captain Robert Briskin of the US army (right) and a Dutch officer inspecting a German torpedo found on the beach near Eagle Pier (17 February 1942)
During the third year of the war, on a dark night on February 16, 1942, Aruba was attacked by a German submarines U-156. The assailant targeted several ships near the island and at the piers of the oil companies operating in Aruba, causing considerable damage. A German torpedo struck an American vessel at the "Arend" pier, but fortunately, the ship had been emptied of gas. Despite sustaining significant damage, it remained afloat without catching fire. Another torpedo landed on the Druif/Eagle Beach near the saltwater pumping house of the refinery. On February 17, Captain Robert Briskin of the US army and a Dutch officer inspected the torpedo, and authorities determined it to be a dud. However, when Dutch experts attempted to dismantle the torpedo, it unexpectedly exploded, claiming the lives of four Dutch Navy marines.[8] Among the brave marines who tragically lost their lives were Leonardus Kooijman,[9] Johannes Vogelezang,[10] Pieter Joosse,[11] and Dirk Adriaan Cornelis de Maagd.[12] It is worth acknowledging the exceptional corage displayed by the fishermen of Oranjestad during those perilous days. Promptly setting sail in their boats during the attack, they heroically rescued numerous survivors from the impacted tanker ships, ensuring their safe return to land.[13]
Temporary closure
In late 1942, due to practical reasons, the decision was made to temporarily close down the oil processing facilities of the "Arend" refinery. The demands of wartime operations necessitated a greater supply of various aviation fuels, which this refinery lacked the necessary equipment to produce. Therefore, priority was to refineries that had the required facilities. As a result, all available crude oil from Venezuela was redirected to these refineries, ensuring maximum production of the essential oil products needed for the war effort. Consequently, the affected employees found temporary employment at the CPIM in Curaçao and the Lago Oil Transport Company Ltd in Aruba, where their skills were effectively utilized to support the increased wartime production.[14]
Nonetheless, The Arend storage and shipping facilities played a crucial role as a transit point for temporary storage and transshipment of crude oil and finished products. Nearby oil companies, CPIM and Lago, highly values this extra storage space. With the war progressing favorably, the refinery anticipated reopening in early 1945. Personnel eagerly returned as the facilities were fully restored within a month. Work resumed without interruption or reduced capacity. Some tanks were relocated to Venezuela and Colombia due to decreased post-war demand. Nevertheless, the Arend still maintained a strorage capacity of 350,000,000 liters (92,000,000U.S.gal).[14]
Eagle village facilities
At that time, the number of employees in the Arend company amounted to 440 people, of whom about forty, due to their nature of their work, resided with their families in the company houses in the Eagle village, in close proximity to the facilities.[14] The workforce mainly consisted of Aruban workers who resided across the entire island and commute to work daily by truck. The majority of the office consisted of Englishmen.[15]
Aerial view. Eagle village, a residential area near the refinery (1940–1945)
Houses at Eagle/Arend Camp (1935)
Eagle Village was located about one kilometer east of Punta Braboe. The area consisted of approximately 24 houses that were constructed.[2] The houses were wooden bungalows, arranged around their own clubhouse, which has been the center of gatherings and various festivities since the establishment of the company. Furthermore, the company provided tennis courts, an outdoor cinema, a swimming pool, a golf course, and a sport field for employees in this area.
Initially, the company managed its own hospital for its personnel, but since the reopening in 1945, this arrangement had been discontinued, but a company clinic was available, while any other necessary hospital care was provided at the San Pedro Hospital in Aruba.
Since its establishment, the Arend has been responsible for the electricity supply of nearby Oranjestad.[14]
Architectural design
The former headquarters' architecture incorporates elements from the building styles used in the former Dutch East Indies, including encompassing covered verandas and expansive roof overhangs. Additionally, the construction displays features reminiscent of English architectural styles found in the Leeward Islands and the southern United States.
The architect responsible for the design of the building is unidentified. However, it is plausible that they had a background in the construction department of the Royal Dutch Shell, considering the presence of colonial architectural elements. In a letter dated April 19, 1929, the lieutenant governor mentioned the visit of an engineer named Abelard Soray to the Director of Public Works in Curaçao. Soray was described as having extensive knowledge in house construction, urban planning, and road development, and had previously worked for the Arend Company from 1927 to 1928. It is possible that Soray was the architect behind Arend's headquarters.[2]
Former headquarters
Side view of former headquarter of Arend Petroleum Company
Aruba, is officially known as the Country of Aruba. It is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, situated in the south of the Caribbean Sea. Aruba is located approximately 29 kilometres (18 mi) north of the Venezuelan peninsula of Paraguaná and 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Curaçao.
Defense on Aruba is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Military forces that protect Aruba include the Royal Netherlands Navy, the Netherlands Marine Corps and the Netherlands Coastguard. There is also a small indigenous "Arubaanse Militie" of about platoon strength, and a shared Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard consisting of three Damen Stan 4100 patrol boats.
Transport in Aruba is facilitated by road, air, and rail. Aruba features a well-established road network, with the majority of the roads being paved. However, as one ventures towards the interior of the island, the prevalence of paved roads decreases, giving way to more rugged terrain. Conversely, coastal areas typically offer-well maintained paved roads. Aruba's road network covers a total distance of about 998 kilometres (620 mi), with 361 kilometres (220 mi) remaining unpaved.
The economy of Aruba is an open system, with tourism currently providing the largest percentage of the country's income. Because of tourism's rapid growth in the last 80 years, related industries like construction have also flourished in Aruba. Other primary industries include oil refining and storage, as well as offshore banking. Despite the island's low rainfall in the past year, the people have proven that Aruba's soil is full of nutrients and many crops do amazingly well in the soil. Many more locals have started participating more to horticulture, permaculture and agriculture. Creating a start to an internal economy. Aloe cultivation, livestock, and fishing also contribute to Aruba's economy. In addition, the country also exports art and collectibles, machinery, electrical equipment, and transport equipment. Aruba's small labor force and low unemployment rate have led to many unfilled job vacancies, despite sharp rises in wage rates in recent years.
Oranjestad is the capital and largest city of Aruba, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is located on the southern coast near the western end of the island country. In the local language, Papiamento, Oranjestad is often referred to as "Playa". In 2010, the population of the capital was 28,294.
San Nicolaas is 19 kilometres (12 mi) southeast of Oranjestad, and is Aruba's second largest city. As of 2010 it has a population of 15,283, most of whom originate from the British Caribbean and rest of the Caribbean.
Lago Colony was a community located on the east end of the island of Aruba, near the area presently known as Seroe Colorado.
Lake tankers were small specially designed shallow-draft tanker ships that carried the crude oil, pumped from beneath Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, to the three off-shore refineries located on the Dutch islands of Aruba and Curaçao.
Lago Oil & Transport Co. Ltd. was established in 1924 as a shipping company responsible for transporting crude oil from Lake Maracaibo to its transshipment facility on the island of Aruba. The Lago refinery, a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company (Exxon), remained in operation until March 31, 1985 when Exxon made the decision to shut down and dismantle both the refinery and Lago Colony.
The Battle of the Caribbean refers to a naval campaign waged during World War II that was part of the Battle of the Atlantic, from 1941 to 1945. German U-boats and Italian submarines attempted to disrupt the Allied supply of oil and other material. They sank shipping in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico and attacked coastal targets in the Antilles. Improved Allied anti-submarine warfare eventually drove the Axis submarines out of the Caribbean region.
Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş. is a company in Turkey, operating four refineries with a total capacity to handle an annual 30 mn tons of crude.
The attack on Aruba was an attack on oil installations and tankers by Axis submarines during World War II. On 16 February 1942, a German U-boat attacked the small Dutch island of Aruba. Other submarines patrolled the area for shipping and they sank or damaged tankers. Aruba was home to two of the largest oil refineries in the world during the war against the Axis powers, the Arend Petroleum Company, situated near the Oranjestad harbor, and the Lago Oil and Transport Company at the San Nicolas harbor. The attack resulted in the disruption of vital Allied fuel production.
The Bombardment of Curaçao refers to a 1942 German naval bombardment of a Bullen Baai Company petroleum storage facility on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao during World War II. The raids purpose was to ignite and destroy the petroleum held on Curaçao. This attempt failed and the German U-boat responsible was unsuccessfully engaged by a Dutch shore battery
Operation Neuland was the German Navy's code name for the extension of unrestricted submarine warfare into the Caribbean Sea during World War II. U-boats demonstrated range to disrupt United Kingdom petroleum supplies and United States aluminum supplies which had not been anticipated by Allied pre-war planning. Although the area remained vulnerable to submarines for several months, U-boats never again enjoyed the opportunities for success resulting from the surprise achieved by the submarines participating in this operation.
Lago Petroleum Corporation was an oil production company established by Americans in 1923 that exploited the oilfields in Lake Maracaibo. It was acquired by Standard Oil of New Jersey in 1932. Later it was nationalized.
Esso Maracaibo was a tanker of the Creole Petroleum Corporation. She was the second ship of that enterprise to bear that name, the first one having been USS Narraguagas. Its purpose was to transport crude oil between Lake Maracaibo and Aruba. It made international headlines on 6 April 1964, when it rammed the General Rafael Urdaneta Bridge, causing two spans of it to collapse.
Rancho, located near Paardenbaai, is one of the old districts of Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. Originally a fishing village, Rancho has evolved into a neighbourhood of Oranjestad. In the late 20th century, it was annexed by Oranjestad, becoming a part of the city while still retaining its distinct character. The district is known for its monuments and intangible cultural heritage
Paardenbaai or Port of Oranjestad is the main seaport for passengers in Aruba. It is located in Oranjestad and has existed since 1796.
Water Tower San Nicolas is a water tower and museum in San Nicolaas, Aruba. It was built in 1939 to relieve the water shortage in Aruba. In 1979, the tower became obsolete and in 1996, it was transferred to the monument fund, and restored. In 2016, the industry museum opened in the tower.
The discovery of guano on Klein Curaçao by John Godden in 1871, sparked a "guano mania" across the Antillean islands, including Curaçao. In 1874, J. H. Waters Gravenhorst is credited with the discovery of guano in Aruba, although an earlier interest was shown by an American named S.R. Kimball in 1859. The exact outcome of Kimball's efforts remains uncertain. This ultimately led to the incorporation of a limited company on Curaçao, known as Aruba Phosphate Company on December 18, 1879.
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