Flanders Marine Institute

Vlaams Instituut Voor De Zee Vzw (VLIZ) is the Flanders Marine Institute, a centre for marine and coastal research. As a partner in various projects and networks it promotes and supports the international image of Flemish marine scientific research and international marine education. In its capacity as a coordination and information platform, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) supports some thousand marine scientists in Flanders by disseminating their knowledge to policymakers, educators, the general public and scientists.

The VLIZ Research Infrastructure division provides logistical support to marine researchers by ensuring the management, maintenance and operational support of the research facilities and equipment.

VLIZ are involved in WP2 Transnational Access.

Access to Research Vessels and related infrastructure: providing access to RV Simon Stevin [Regional], the ROV Genesis [Light workclass ROV, 2000m] & VLIZ AUV [1000m depth rating].

VLIZ will also undertake activities in WP1 Project Management, and WP8 Foresight: Legacy and Roadmap.

Modality of access [RV Simon Stevin]: Every six months a call for ship access is opened and a sailing schedule is set. After the finalisation of this schedule extra requests for shiptime can be accommodated on open days and/or during planned campaigns if activities can be combined.
Support offered [RV Simon Stevin]: Support can be requested from regular users of the vessel and its equipment. In addition, collaboration with colleagues of the Belgian RV Belgica provides access to their equipment pool.

Outreach to new users [RV Simon Stevin]: As a service provider to the Belgian marine science community VLIZ networks with all marine and maritime research organisations, policy makers and funding authorities to promote Belgian marine sciences. This extensive network provides ample opportunities to and does initiate new research lines and topics and fosters collaboration with foreign marine researchers.

Modality of access [ROV Genesis]: The ROV will be available either onboard the Simon Stevin or onboard any other capable research ship from within or without the Eurofleets+ fleet in all of the regions covered in the Eurofleets+ calls.

Support offered [ROV Genesis]: Extra technical support can be sought with both NIOZ (NL) and ODNature (B) due to cooperation agreements regarding the use of the ROV and marine other research equipment.

Outreach to new users [ROV Genesis]: As a service provider to the Belgian marine science community VLIZ networks with all marine and maritime research organisations, policy makers and funding authorities to promote Belgian marine sciences.

• Cattrijsse, A.; Rogers, R.; van Vliet, H.; Huyskens, P. (2013). Eco-design of research vessels. Journal of Ocean Technology 8(2): 18-27

• Cattrijsse, A. (2014). Research vessels as an essential tool for ocean exploration and data acquisition, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in Kenya: from research to societal benefits. VLIR-UOS International Conference 2014. Kikambala, Kilifi County, Kenya, 27- 29 October 2014: Book of Abstracts. VLIZ Special Publication

• Lackschewitz, K.; Naudts, L.; Cattrijsse, A.; Dañobeitia, J.J.; Fitzgerald, A.; Flinkman, J.; Koning, E.; Magnifico, G.; Mazauric, V.; Nieuwejaar, P.W.; Quédec, O.; Lisbjerg, D. (2017). The ERVO Group: A key player for the coordination and integration of the European Research Fleet. poster presented at the 2nd JPI Oceans Conference, 26 October 2017, Lisbon.

Wandelaarkaai 7, 8400 Oostende, België