VLIZ - science harbour

On 30 May 2024, the official inauguration took place of the VLIZ science harbour located at the Slipwaykaai near the Ostend Marine Station. The science port provides a safe berth for the research vessel ‘USV Gobelijn’ (Uncrewed Surface Vehicle with a length of 9m) and the workboat ‘Abbé Mann’ (named after marine scientist avant-la-lettre Théodore-Augustin Mann). The science harbour offers the VLIZ the unique opportunity to play and strengthen a leading research role in the southern North Sea.

The purchase of the workboat Abbé Mann could be realised thanks to the support of the Flemish government. The purchase of the USV Gobelijn and the construction of the science port were supported by funds acquired under the ‘Brexit Adjustment Reserve’ (BAR).

TORGUN was responsible for the concept design of the port and determining the layout of the pontoons, walkway and crane. TORGUN also drew up the technical part of the specifications and supported the VLIZ in the technical comparison of the bids. During the execution of the works, TORGUN further supported the VLIZ with the review of the detailed design and commissioning.