The Arend Petroleum Company Ltd. was originally established in 1927 as "Compania Mexicana de Petrol el Aquila" on the island of Aruba.

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.

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 (1.2 mi) 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.

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.

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.

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.

[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.

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] In late 1942, due to practical reasons, the decision was made to temporarily close down the oil processing facilities of the "Arend" refinery.

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] 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.

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.