Bulgaria’s Antarctic base transformed thanks to RSV 421, Naval Academy rector says

This article is published under the cooperation agreement between Armenpress and BTA.

Bulgaria’s St. Kliment Ohridski Antarctic Base on Livingston Island has been completely transformed thanks to the Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421), Rear Admiral Prof. Kalin Kalinov, rector of the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, said, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.

Speaking at an official ceremony marking the fifth anniversary of the Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) joining the Academy’s fleet, Prof. Kalinov said the idea of including a vessel in Bulgaria’s Antarctic expeditions was first proposed in 2015.

He added that the dream began to take shape in 2020 with the support of then Deputy Education Minister Kalina Angelieva and Kiril Valchev, the current Director General of BTA, who at the time was a presenter at Darik Radio. The project became a reality in 2021.

“We carried out four polar expeditions, which evolved from providing logistical support into conducting scientific research. Thanks to the vessel, Bulgaria’s Antarctic base was completely transformed. Research that was unique and unprecedented in its nature was carried out. At the same time, the ship has not abandoned its other national missions,” Prof. Kalinov said.

He also noted that RSV 421 had undergone numerous challenges but had enjoyed the support of the Bulgarian Presidency, the Bulgarian Navy, the entire scientific community, Sofia University, the polar community, and Bulgarian seafarers throughout its voyages.