The operational readiness of Belgium’s coast guard aircraft is under pressure due to fuel supply issues linked to environmental permits. “If there is an incident now, we may not be able to leave until later,” a spokesperson for the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (KBIN-IRSNB) said.

The Belgian coast guard carries out vital monitoring flights over the North Sea and Belgian ports, including inspections for sulphur, nitrogen, and black carbon emissions from ships. It also detects suspicious activities near Belgian waters—such as the movements of Russian vessels. However, the coast guard has only one aircraft, which can operate solely on AVGAS100LL.

On Tuesday, the KBIN-IRSNB raised the alarm, warning that future surveillance flights may face delays due to a ban on AVGAS100LL included in the environmental permits for the airports of Antwerp and Ostend. Antwerp Airport’s permit limits flights using AVGAS100LL to 1,000 per year. Over 900 flights have already taken place this year, According to Gazet van Antwerpen.

But the ban is unjustified, the KBIN-IRSNB argues. It stems from a legal misinterpretation of the European REACH regulation, which governs the use of chemicals and their potential impact on human health and the environment. “The ban is not based on any binding European or Flemish provision,” a spokesperson said.

The institute has requested amendments to both environmental permits. Flemish Environment minister Jo Brouns has not yet approved the amendment for Ostend, while the updated Antwerp permit is still awaiting review by the regional environmental permit committee and minister Brouns’ cabinet.

In the meantime, the issue has already impacted operations. Since last week, AVGAS100LL has run out at Antwerp Airport. “If there is an incident now, we may not be able to leave until later because we cannot refuel,” the KBIN-IRSNB spokesperson said.

The KBIN-IRSNB also raised concerns about the condition of the coast guard aircraft, which is nearly 50 years old. “Belgium risks losing its ability to fulfill national and international obligations regarding environmental protection and maritime safety if it is not replaced soon,” the spokesperson warned.

^{#FlandersNewsService | PHOTO © Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP}

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