title: Barcadera
text: # Barcadera
  
  Barcadera is the main seaport for cargo ships in Aruba. It is located in Barcadera, district Santa Cruz and was officially opened on 12 April 2016.
  
  ## History
  
  Plans to create the harbour began in 1994. The harbour at Oranjestad was large enough, however the cargo ships had to share the port with cruise ships which often caused problems. The first priority was to move the container terminal. Work began in 2011, and the move was completed in 2015. On 12 April 2016, the Barcadera harbour was officially opened by Prime minister Mike Eman.
  
  The existing harbour at Oranjestad needed to be dredged. The dredging started in 2018, and the sand was used to reclaim 500 hectares (1,200 acres) of land extending the Barcadera terminal.
  
  ## Free Zone
  
  A part of the harbour has been designated a free zone. It is one of two free zones in Aruba. For licensed companies engaging in sustainable projects, there are 0% import duties and other taxes, and a 2% profit tax.
  
  