The Belgian scientific research vessel Belgica has 34 missions scheduled for this year. Science Policy Minister Vanessa Matz (Francophone centrist Les Engagés) announced during a visit to the Belgica at Zeebrugge naval base. The ship is setting sail again after being in dock since June 2024 following a legal dispute.
Research vessel Belgica resumes missions after years of inactivity: 34 missions planned for this year
Colin Clapson
Published:
The Belgica has already completed one mission and has many more planned for this year. The ship is equipped with laboratories and research instruments to study marine fauna and flora, as well as the seabed, water quality, fish stocks, and human impact on the sea.
In addition, the navy uses the ship to train officers and sailors. This helps them learn to work together, navigate, and handle real-world operational conditions. New technologies like drones are also tested on the ship.
The Belgica has been in dock since June 2024 due to a dispute with the French shipping company Genavir. Following negotiations with Minister Matz, and with the involvementt of Defence Minister Theo Francken (Flemish nationalist N-VA), an agreement was reached with the shipping company in October.
After undergoing thorough maintenance in dry dock, the ship is now fully operational and ready to resume its missions.