The Belgian scientific research vessel Belgica has received visits from two teams of federal inspectors following complaints by its crew. Inspectors from the Federal Transport Department and the Federal Employment and Labour Department carried out inspections aboard the Belgica at Zeebrugge (West Flanders) on Monday. Both the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) and the Federal Secretary of State responsible for scientific research Thomas Dermine (Francophone socialist) have confirmed that the inspections took place.
The inspections followed a complaint about social dumping. The Latvian technical crew on the Belgica filed a complaint with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).
The French shipping company Genavir that is responsible for operating the ship allegedly tried to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement for the crew in Latvia. As the ship sails under the Belgian flag this contravenes the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention.
The Belgica serves as an auxiliary ship of the Belgian Navy and has Belgian navel officers on board. The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is responsible for the scientific activities that take place on board the vessel. Based on the findings of the inspection a decision will be made on what if any action will be taken against the shipping company. Genavir is also the main operator of the French oceanographic fleet.
The Directorate General for Shipping has confirmed that the inspections took place. "A team of inspectors went on board after a complaint was made by the crew to check whether the provisions as laid down in the Maritime Workers' Convention are being applied". The shipping company Genavir is refusing to comment on the matter.
Last week VRT News revealed that the Belgica will only be able to sail a third of the time in 2024 thus jeopardising plans for an Arctic expedition. Secretary of State Dermine says that several avenues are currently being explored to increase the number of day that the Belgica will be able to be at sea in 2024.