BELGICA

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Research vessel stranded in Zeebrugge due to lengthy legal dispute

The 'Belgica remains stuck in the port of Zeebrugge due to an ongoing legal dispute between the Belgian government and the French company Genavir that operates it. While the ship remains under the command of three Belgian military officers, ongoing technical issues have triggered a legal dispute between Genavir and the Belgian state. Genavir has cancelled the contract and initiated legal proceedings against the government. Since then, the French company has only carried out the minimum necessary maintenance to prevent the ship from sinking. The 'Belgica' was at sea for 248 days for scientific purposes in 2023, but only for 29 days in 2024. No missions are scheduled for 2025. The legal procedure are still ongoing. There appeared to be delays in the French-speaking court of first instance in Brussels. Even if a new operator were selected soon,, the tendering process alone would take at least a year, so the 'Belgica' will almost certainly remain inactive until late 2026.

Inspection following complaint of social dumping

The Belgian Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Employment and Labor carried out inspections on board the 'Belgica' in Zeebrugge on Dec 11, 2023, following a complaint about social dumping. The Latvian technical crew of the 'Belgica' had filed a complaint with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). The French shipping company Genavir, which is responsible for operating the ship, is said to have tried to negotiate a collective agreement for the crew in Latvia. Since the ship is flying the Belgian flag, this violates the International Labor Organization (ILO) Maritime Labor Convention. The Belgica serves as an auxiliary ship of the Belgian Navy and has Belgian officers on board. The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is responsible for the scientific activities on the ship. Based on the results of the inspection, a decision will be made as to whether and what measures will be taken against the shipping company. The General Directorate of Shipping has confirmed that the inspections have taken place.