The Belgica was baptized three years ago and costs 54 million euros. Last year the research ship had barely 30 sailing days, but it goes from bad to worse. The cause is a legal conflict with the shipping company.
Flemish MP Jasper Pillen: “That is a shame. You build a well -equipped ship. We have world -old scientists and we are unable to abandon the ship. That is a drama and must be resolved quickly.”
“Our navy has very competent people and has expertise. The previous Belgica was also staffed by people from our navy. I propose that Defense is at least temporarily taking over the crew from the Belgica. The minister has informed me that there are conversations with Defense. I call both Minister Matz and Minister Francken to get a comparison,” says Jasper Pillen.