Spain’s Freire shipyard at Vigo has launched the 71.4-meter by 16.8-meter oceanographic research vessel Belgica for operation by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. The Rolls-Royce Marine-designed ship is to be delivered before the end of this year and will replace a 36-year-old research vessel of the same name.
The new ice-classed ship, which is 20-meters longer than the previous Belgica, will be able to accommodate 28 scientists and carry up to seven containers of supplies.
