The Climate Justice Flotilla is making waves in the Caribbean, challenging the exploitation of Aruba’s waters by the fossil fuel industry and calling for Dutch-Caribbean sovereignty.
On April 21, 2026, three vessels of the Climate Justice Flotilla staged a demonstration in front of two oil tankers off Aruba’s coast, drawing attention to the ongoing exploitation of the island’s marine environment. The flotilla, composed of local nature defenders and international activists, is united in its opposition to the oil concessions granted to Armstrong Oil and Gas through the Aruba state-owned company Compañía Arubano di Petroleo (CAP).
The flotilla is calling for an immediate halt to oil exploration in Aruban waters, condemning the damage done by the oil industry to local communities and the environment. It also seeks a just transition grounded in energy sovereignty for the Dutch Caribbean. The flotilla’s mission, leading up to the Santa Marta Conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, aims to amplify Caribbean voices in global climate discussions and hold the Netherlands accountable for its actions regarding climate change and resource extraction.
The flotilla’s participants emphasize that Aruba’s economy relies heavily on tourism and fishing, and any oil spill would have disastrous consequences for the island’s livelihoods. Aruba has already committed to 100% renewable electricity, but the oil being extracted does not serve Aruba’s needs – it will instead fuel war and provide profits to distant investors.
The group also points out that Aruba, despite its autonomy, is still bound by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in areas like defense, foreign affairs, and resource extraction. The oil concessions granted to Armstrong are a product of this colonial relationship, and the flotilla demands that the Kingdom of the Netherlands be held accountable for its role in perpetuating fossil fuel extraction in Caribbean waters without proper consultation with affected communities.
Action Demands:
- Immediate suspension of Armstrong Oil & Gas operations in Aruba’s waters until a comprehensive impact assessment is conducted.
- Revocation of the Armstrong concession if free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) was not obtained.
- Public accountability from the Netherlands regarding its domestic climate commitments and its role in granting petroleum concessions.
- Investment in Aruba’s renewable energy sovereignty to support its transition to sustainable energy.
As the flotilla sails toward Santa Marta, Colombia, it calls for the end of colonial extractivism and a transition to community-led energy solutions that protect both people and the planet.
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