Princess Elisabeth christened the oceanographic research vessel Belgica in Ghent, the building’s sponsor city, on Saturday shortly after 4 p.m. This centerpiece of scientific research will conduct marine missions using state-of-the-art technology for decades to come.
The Belgica, whose construction cost 54 million euros, is returning from a mission carried out in April in the Mediterranean Sea, carried out after having received the King on board.
The building is equipped with the most modern scientific equipment and in particular a “dynamic positioning system” which can stop the ship in one place with an accuracy of half a meter. A precious advantage when it is involves taking samples from the seabed.
It is also quieter than its predecessor, causing less turbulence, which is important for observing marine animals.
The RV Belgica is set to play a major role in the coming decades in Belgian and European marine research. It will allow marine scientists to continue and extend their expeditions over several days or several weeks in Belgian territorial waters and beyond.
The Belgian State, represented by the Federal Office for Science Policy (BELSPO), owns the ship. The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) will manage it in collaboration with Defense and a private operator.