On Tuesday 16 September, Their Majesties King Filip and Queen Mathilde visited the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) in Ostend. Their visit formed part of a provincial tour of West Flanders, centred on the theme of “safety at the North Sea.” At VLIZ, the focus was on the latest insights in marine research and the innovative technologies employed by scientists.
Upon arrival, they were welcomed by the Governor of West Flanders, Carl Decaluwé, the Mayor of Ostend, John Crombez, and the General Director of VLIZ, Jan Mees. Following the official greeting, the royal couple was introduced to several research setups demonstrating how marine sensors can be combined for non-invasive measurements. The importance of long-term data series and open science in advancing our understanding of the ocean was highlighted.
The next stop was research on underwater sound. Scientists explained the concept of a “soundscape,” the various sources of underwater noise, and how this information is collected in the underwater sound library SoundLib. Thanks to artificial intelligence, this material can be analysed with increasing precision. Sound fragments from the North Sea brought the research vividly to life.
The world of marine robotics was also presented extensively. The Ministry of Defence showcased its underwater drones, Exail demonstrated advanced systems such as the Seascan and K-Ster, while VLIZ introduced its own vehicles, including autonomous underwater vehicles and gliders. Partners underlined how robotics contributes to sustainable ocean observation and how these applications are equally relevant for science, the economy, and security.
The visit concluded with a presentation of the USV Gobelijn, the unmanned surface vessel used for autonomous measurements at sea. Their Majesties were also introduced to the workboat Abbé Mann and the research vessel Simon Stevin, both essential assets for marine research at VLIZ. Together, these vessels demonstrate the versatility and innovation of the VLIZ fleet and enable researchers to study the North Sea and beyond in a sustainable way.
