This maintenance takes approximately two weeks. Afterwards, the Belgica II can sail up to 240 days a year, 80 days more than before. This expansion allows for longer and further research assignments. Due to the long standstill, there is also a budget available for additional missions.
The Belgica II cost the Belgian state 54 million euros and has 400 square meters of laboratories and advanced research equipment. The ship is a reference within the European research fleet, is used by international research teams and also serves as an auxiliary ship for Defense.
