site.btaBulgarian Research Vessel RSV 421 to Set Sail for Antarctica in November

The Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) is scheduled to depart for its next expedition to Antarctica in early November, Prof. Christo Pimpirev, Head of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute said during a ceremony in Varna on Friday marking four years since the vessel’s christening.

The celebration took place at the Port of Varna’s passenger terminal and gathered a number of distinguished guests, including Varna Regional Governor Andriana Andreeva, Varna Deputy Mayor Iliya Koev, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Argentina Stoyan Mihaylov, and BTA Director Kiril Valchev.

The event was officiated by Captain First Rank Prof. Miroslav Tsvetkov, Deputy Head of the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.

The upcoming Antarctic expedition of the research vessel will place a strong emphasis on scientific research, Pimpirev said. Until now, the ship's missions have been primarily focused on logistical support, he explained. “Thanks to these efforts, the Bulgarian base on Livingston Island is now equipped with a scientific laboratory that is a source of pride not only for Bulgaria but also for the European Union,” he underscored.

Speaking to BTA, the ship’s commander, Captain Radko Muevski, said that maintenance work on the RSV 421 is scheduled for August. Preparations for the vessel’s fourth Antarctic journey will begin in September. The mission is expected to last around five months, with departure planned for early November 2025 and return to Varna around mid-April 2026. The composition of the crew will also change, as several members from the previous three expeditions will likely be replaced.

Tsvetkov noted that the upcoming expedition will carry new and specialized scientific equipment. The vessel will be equipped with a variety of drones, floating, underwater, and aerial, as well as onboard systems for sample collection and real-time analysis.

During Friday’s ceremony, the ship’s crew was collectively awarded a commendation by order of Flotilla Admiral Prof. Kalin Kalinov, Head of the Naval Academy, in recognition of their outstanding professional achievements.