The Belgica: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The 'Belgica' is gearing up for its return to the sea after being docked in Zeebrugge for nearly two years due to a dispute with the French operator Genavir, responsible for its maintenance and crew management. This vessel has come a long way since it last sailed, as it is currently undergoing necessary upgrades, including the removal of marine growth from its hull and addressing warranty concerns. All maintenance and repairs are scheduled to be completed by mid-March, paving the way for its mission resumption in March. The 'Belgica' is jointly owned by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the Belgian Ministry of Defence, which supplies three of the officers in command. The remaining crew members are provided by Genavir, although this shared management structure has been a source of complications since 2024. Although the vessel's management is under a French entity, the crew is Latvian, leading to regulatory issues. In early 2022, the Belgian federal government revoked Genavir's license, arguing that a collective bargaining agreement based on Latvian law constituted social dumping. This situation, combined with several unresolved technical issues, compelled Genavir to terminate its contract and pursue legal action against the Belgian government, leaving the 'Belgica' stranded in the port. However, a positive development emerged in November 2025, when new leadership on both sides, including fresh ministers in Belgium and a new director at Genavir, reached a consensus. The 'Belgica' is now ready to embark on its next adventure, signaling a new chapter in its operational journey.

The research vessel 'Belgica' is currently immobilized in the port of Zeebrugge, caught in a protracted legal dispute between the Belgian government and the French maritime firm Genavir, which operates the ship. Commanded by three Belgian military officers, the vessel faces ongoing technical challenges that have escalated into a courtroom confrontation. In a significant move, Genavir has terminated its contract with the Belgian state and has initiated legal action, leaving the company to only perform essential maintenance to avert sinking. In 2023, the 'Belgica' completed an impressive 248 days at sea conducting scientific research, but its activity plummeted to just 29 days in 2024, with no missions planned for 2025. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, experiencing delays within the French-speaking court of first instance in Brussels. Even if a new operator is appointed swiftly, the tendering process will span at least a year, suggesting that the 'Belgica' may remain inactive until late 2026. This situation underscores the complexities facing maritime operations as legal issues jeopardize vital research initiatives.

On December 11, 2023, the Belgian Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Employment and Labor undertook thorough inspections aboard the vessel 'Belgica' in Zeebrugge. This initiative follows a serious complaint regarding social dumping lodged by the Latvian technical crew of the 'Belgica' with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). The vessel, operated by the French shipping company Genavir, is under scrutiny as it is reported that the company sought to negotiate a collective agreement for the crew back in Latvia. This action raises concerns about compliance with the International Labor Organization (ILO) Maritime Labor Convention, especially since the 'Belgica' is registered under the Belgian flag. The 'Belgica', which plays a vital role as an auxiliary ship for the Belgian Navy, is manned by Belgian officers, and its scientific operations are overseen by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. Following the inspection, authorities will evaluate the findings to determine the appropriate measures against Genavir. The General Directorate of Shipping has verified that the inspections were conducted as planned.