Princess Elisabeth christens research vessel Belgica from Zeebrugge

Shortly after 4 p.m., the princess smashed a bottle against the bow of the scientific showpiece, which will conduct marine research using cutting-edge technology for decades to come. The ceremony took place in Ghent, the godfather of the Belgica.

The new Belgica left in April on a mission to the Mediterranean Sea, after King Philippe’s first visit to the ship. The construction of the showpiece, which is 71 meters long, cost 54 million euros. It is equipped with the most modern scientific equipment, such as a ‘dynamic positioning system’, which can keep the ship stationary to within half a meter. That is an asset when taking soil samples.

It is also a quieter ship than its predecessor, causing less disturbance in the sea, important for studying marine life at sea.

The RV Belgica will play a key role in Belgian and European marine research in the coming decades. Thanks to the new ship, marine scientists will be able to continue and expand their multi-day or multi-week expeditions in Belgian waters and beyond.

The ship is not the first Belgica in our country. The original boat was built in 1984 but after one million sailing kilometers it was given to Ukraine as a gift.