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.