Research Vessel Belgica 'Still Rusting' in Zeebrugge: 54 Million Euro Vessel Has Not Sailed for a Year

The expensive research vessel Belgica has not sailed for a year. It has been moored at the quay in the Zeebrugge naval base since June last year. The floating laboratory has technical defects. And the French shipowner who is supposed to man and maintain the Belgica has terminated the contract and filed a lawsuit against the Belgian state. "It is an unacceptable disgrace that a ship that cost 54 million euros is rusting on the chain in Zeebrugge."