The Belgian scientific research vessel Belgica 2 will be able to set sail again in March, provided that maintenance work in a dry dock in Antwerp goes well. This is a turning point for the extremely expensive floating laboratory, which has not been used for almost two years following a dispute between the French operator and the Belgian government.
Belgian scientific research vessel Belgica 2 finally ready to set to sea and to work
Colin Clapson
Published:
Yesterday, the prestigious ship was transferred to the EDR Shipyard dry dock in Antwerp, where it will undergo maintenance lasting around two weeks. After that, it can once again be used for its intended purpose: scientific research at sea.
‘With its advanced equipment, the Belgica 2 has already provided a wealth of knowledge and insights into climate change, fish stocks and pollution,’ insists science policy minister Matz (Francophone centrist) . ‘It is extremely important that this work can be continued soon, and to this end, the ship is being made fully ready.’
The Belgica 2 was christened in 2022 and is built to spend around 300 days at sea a year. It has around 400 square metres of laboratories and all kinds of high-tech scientific equipment on board. The ship cost 54 million euros and is expected to last 30 years.
However, last year, the Belgica 2 did not venture out of port at all. In 2024, it was only out at sea for 29 days. This was due to a conflict between the Belgian government and Genavir, the French shipping company that operates the ship.
It’s now been agreed the French shipping company will continue to operate the ship until at least the end of 2027, when the contract expires, and will also provide the technical crew.
Research into wind farms, oyster reefs and pollution
If all goes well, the Belgica 2 will set sail on 16 March. During this first voyage in almost two years, her equipment will be recalibrated, including the echo sounders that map the seabed. The new crew will also receive further training.
Then, on 21 March, the research vessel will finally be able to get back to work. It will then set off on a 10-day mission to conduct a whole series of studies. These studies will focus on topics such as the impact of wind farms on the marine ecosystem, environmentally friendly floating solar panels, restoration projects for the oyster reefs on the bottom of the North Sea and bacteria that break down pollution.