Helga Vandenreyken, attaché with Continental Shelf (FPS Economy):
“With the oceanographic research vessel Belgica we carry out seven sounding campaigns at sea per year. Aboard the Belgica we have installed a multibeam, a specialised sounding device, which we use to chart the different sand banks. We examine the effects sand-extraction has on the level of the seabed. The results of the research allow us to intervene when necessary and to make sand-extraction more sustainable. The extracted sand and gravel are mainly used by the building trade and for coastal defence.”
Two general directorates of FPS Economy contribute to the efficient working of the Coast Guard.
Directorate-General Quality &Safety
The Service Continental Shelf is responsible for licensing and supervision of sand extraction at sea. The Service Controle Veiligheid Noord is responsible for supervision of the safety of onshore gas transport installations and offshore pipelines.
Directorate-General Energy
The Directorate-General Energy is responsible for the gas terminals in Zeebrugge, for licensing pipelines, electricity and telecom cables on the seabed and for granting domain concessions for the construction and operation of installations for the production of electricity from renewable energy.