In 2006, the
VZW New Belgica was formed with the intention of constructing a replica of
Belgica. The project was officially launched on 9 September 2007 at De Steenschuit's yard in
Boom, Antwerp by
Kris Peeters,
Minister-President of
Flanders. Construction was scheduled for completion in 2013. From 2010 -2013 the project has been supported by the
European Regional Development Fund's Echoes2c scheme. Steenschuits relocated their yard to
Noeveren, in a major shipbuilding and brick making area. There came two significant setback that have changed the aims of the project. Firstly, the planned structural and spatial improvements for the area were stopped. The competent authorities refused to grant a certificate of seaworthiness to the new vessel demanding expensive and unpractical changes to the ship to bring her up to modern standards. The vessel has secured a place in the
Port of Antwerp as a floating museum, adjacent to the historic
dry-docks and the
Red Star Line museum. ==See also==