New oceanographic research vessel Belgica to join Belgian Navy.

According to a tweet published by Commanding officer Nicolas Van Damme on December 13, 2021, the new oceanographic research vessel Belgica to join the Belgian Navy.
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New oceanographic research vessel Belgica (Picture source: Twitter account of Commanding officer Nicolas Van Damme)

The new oceanographic research vessel Belgica will be operated by Genavir, specializing in the management of scientific vessels. As a subsidiary of the French Institute of Marine Research (IFREMER), Genavir has 45 years of experience in providing services to scientific and state institutions.

With a length of 71.40 m and a width of 16.80 m, the Belgica was first launched on 11 February 2020. The vessel will have the status of an auxiliary ship of the Belgian Navy, and will fly the corresponding flag.

The mixed crew will consist of three Belgian naval officers (on secondment at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences), in addition to officers and sailors from Genavir.