Recently (31/3/2017) the Belgian Federal Government has decided to acquire a new multidisciplinary research vessel to replace the current RV Belgica.
This new research vessel will be a state of the art ship. The specifications of the research vessel are based on the needs of the Belgian marine research community. It will be acoustic silent, equipped with ultra-modern hydro-acoustic devices (such as deep-water multibeam, parametric sub-bottom profiler, fishing sonar, USBL, ADCP, ...), two drop keels and a dynamic positioning system class 2. It will allow using all modern marine research infrastructure such as ROVs, AUVs, coring installations,... Almost 500 m is foreseen for laboratory space and accommodation for 28 scientists and technicians. Its operational zone will range from the North Pole (in summer period) up to the Mediterranean Sea. The budget for the new ship is estimated at 54 million Euros (60 million $). The ship will be operational in the fall of 2020.
Progress reports
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
Type of commitment
- Scientific research and cooperation to address ocean acidification knowledge gaps
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
Type of commitment
- Scientific, socioeconomic and interdisciplinary research
- Research capacity development
- Training and professional development
- Scientific cooperation
- Transfer marine technology
December 2020