Ostend opens science port for marine research

The Flemish Institute for the Sea (VLIZ) inaugurated its own science port on Thursday. A new robot and a workboat were also presented. The new equipment will allow the institute to carry out more remotely conducted research in the sea. 

The flagship is the USV Gobelijn, an uncrewed vessel equipped with sensors to measure various parameters in the sea. The device can be controlled from a shore-based control centre and will mainly serve to investigate marine processes over the long term.

VLIZ has also invested in a new work boat, Abbé Mann, made for investigations close to the coast, which should facilitate research into coastal defence and plastic pollution. 

The USV Gobelijn and the science port were funded by the EU's Brexit Adjustment Reserve, while the Flemish government co-invested in the new workboat.

^{#FlandersNewsService | ​ New work boat Abbé Mann in Ostend © BELGA PHOTO MAAIKE TIJSSENS}