King Philippe boards Belgica research vessel
On Thursday morning, Belgian King Philippe visited the research vessel Belgica at the naval base in Zeebrugge. Federal state secretary for Science Policy Thomas Dermine (PS, social democrats) accompanied him on board. During a trip at sea, the King was given a full explanation of the possibilities offered by the new high-tech ship.
Although Queen Mathilde had to stay at home after having tested positive for COVID-19 - she is in isolation - her husband's activities can continue. The sovereign arrived at the naval base in Zeebrugge around 9.30 am. He went on board the Belgica, which left the port not much later for a short cruise on the open sea.
The King visited the bridge and two laboratories. In the fish laboratory, the lengths of fish are measured automatically. Ear stones are cut out of the fish to determine the age of the animals. On the basis of this data, scientists can then make recommendations on fish quotas.
After the visit to the labs, the King and State Secretary Dermine went on deck where they were informed about sampling. During the trip on the North Sea, both a bottom sample and a water sample were taken. On board there is equipment that allows to take water samples at any depth up to 5.000 metres.
"The king was extremely delighted and very impressed with the modern ship and the skills of the Belgica's crew"
The new Belgica, which cost 54 million euros to build, is equipped with the most modern scientific equipment. Marine biologist Kelle Moreau explains: "Spectacular is the 'dynamic positioning system', which allows us to remain stationary at a given location with an accuracy of up to half a metre. That is very important if you want to take soil samples. It is also a quieter ship than its predecessor, which causes less disturbance in the sea, important if you want to study marine animals in the sea."
"The king was extremely delighted and very impressed with the modern ship and the skills of the Belgica's crew", State Secretary Thomas Dermine told Belga News Agency after the visit.
Two hours after the King disembarked, the Belgica left on a mission to the Mediterranean Sea. The ship will be gone for two months. In June, the Belgica is set to return to Zeebrugge. On 25 June the ship will be in Ghent, the Belgica's "godfather city", where King Philippe's eldest daughter Princess Elisabeth will - at last - christen it.
(BRV)
Photo shows state secretary for scientific policy Thomas Dermine, Lieutenant-Commander 1st Class of the Belgian Navy Gaëtan Motmans and King Philippe - Filip of Belgium during a royal visit to the new oceanographic research vessel RV Belgica © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER