When Rozanne Messchendorp first stepped into the role of Managing Director at Bluewater Marine Services, there wasn’t much more than a boat and a concept. That was just over three years ago, and today Bluewater is a key provider of launch services to passing cargo vessels off the coast of Curaçao, a highly specialized maritime operation running 24/7 with Rozanne at the helm.

 

“I was asked to take an idea and turn it into a company. That meant everything, from branding and logistics to hiring crew and securing certifications. I even designed the logo, had the boat—the Bluewater I—adapted and painted in our flag’s colors,” Rozanne recalls.

Bluewater Marine Services offers what the industry calls launch services: transporting provisions, spare parts and crew members between shore and ship, while the vessels remain offshore. Most deliveries are made while the ship is underway, often at reduced speeds of just 2 knots. “We typically meet ships near Fuik and drift alongside all the way to the west—sometimes as far as Westpunt—as cargo is transferred,” she explains. “Some captains want to check every pallet before signing off, so the Bluewater I may stay alongside for quite a while.”

The Bluewater I can carry up to three 10-foot containers on the lower deck and a 20-foot basket on the top deck. They’ve delivered everything from critical parts flown in from abroad to frozen goods, especially time-sensitive in Curaçao’s heat, as well as personal items like bicycles or refrigerators for crew returning home. Waste is also collected and brought back for disposal onshore. “We can be called out day or night. If a ship needs frozen cargo, it might be delivered to us at 3 a.m. and I’ll be there to check it.”

Bluewater operates off-port-limits, servicing ships that don’t dock but sail past Curaçao. All coordination typically goes through shipping agents, who handle documents and clearances, while Rozanne and her crew manage the operation from there.

Rozanne is currently the only full-time staff member at Bluewater Marine. She manages a rotating freelance crew of captains and maritime professionals and has built the company from the ground up in a traditionally male-dominated sector. “I had to prove myself at first. There are still a lot of assumptions and I had to learn to stand my ground. But I’ve always involved the crew in decisions, and I stay in close communication with our captains. Over time, that built trust and respect.”

She says being a woman in this space can actually be an asset. “I bring structure, and that helps during busy times when we might go out two or three times a day. It’s a tough job, but I love the variety. Some days I’m doing admin or working on innovations. Other days I’m out at sea creating content or meeting captains who want to finally put a face to the voice on the phone.”

Rozanne’s connection to the sea runs deep, she was born on a boat, lived on a houseboat and worked previously in tourism, managing crews and catamarans. When one of the Bluewater shareholders reached out to her with the idea of starting something new, it felt like a natural next step. “I had to think about it. It meant doing everything on my own, without someone to bounce ideas off. But it also felt like something made for me. And now, three years later, we’re a solid operation.”

Bluewater has handled major assignments, like a recent four-month operation for the Stena DrillMAX, involving 12-hour days supplying everything from crew changes to provisions and spare parts. They’ve also supported oil platforms requiring 24-hour availability, with rotating day and night teams and emergency standby services.

Looking ahead, Rozanne is excited about what’s to come. “There’s talk of another large oil platform coming in November. I really hope it goes to Boka Sami. That could be another big assignment for us.” She’s also preparing for the company’s next phase. Bluewater recently teased plans to become a dive support vessel, shifting from cargo delivery to becoming a full dive support vessel for hull cleaning, with a control room, air supply, a compressor and all necessary equipment.

Modifications to the current vessel are already underway. “We hope to have that ready this year. We’re looking to expand to other islands too. We’ve done launch services to another island before and there’s definitely demand. The certification takes time, but we’re expecting to get there by next year.”

Rozanne stays actively engaged with maritime trends, always curious about how the sector operates locally and abroad. “I find it fascinating to learn what happens after we deliver the cargo or how other ports run similar services. One day I’d love to visit Panama, where launch services operate at an entirely different scale. It’s a world that keeps evolving, and I love being part of it.”