A €54 million research ship. A promise of cutting-edge ocean science. And now? Docked, idle, and caught in a storm of budget cuts, labor disputes, and political gridlock.

In this episode of The Maritime Pilot, host Bart Gonnissen charts the rise—and grounding—of the RV Belgica II. From bold beginnings and high-tech ambitions to lawsuits and a stranded crew, this is the untold story of how a flagship vessel became a floating question mark.

Will Belgica II ever sail again? Or is Belgium’s biggest marine science investment destined to rust at the quay?

Hop aboard for 25 minutes of behind-the-scenes insight, expert perspective, and a deep dive into what went wrong—and what’s next.