site.btaNeed of Acquisition of New Naval Research Ship by Bulgaria Discussed at Sofia Forum

The need for Bulgaria to acquire a new naval research vessel was discussed at an international conference on Antarctic research and development policies taking place at Sofia University Monday. "It is high time we embrace a joint initiative for a clear plan for acquisition of a new naval research ship for Bulgaria, and this initiative should include Bulgarian politicians as well," BTA Director General Kiril Valchev said during the second panel of the conference.

He said that such an initiative will have a long horizon, possibly even 10 years, and that a project needs to be prepared. "Obviously there will be tenders for building the ship, and it can be a chance for Bulgarian shipbuilders or consortiums of Bulgarian and foreign companies," said Valchev.

"If we show foresight, we should start talking not only about a [new] ship, but also about a new base for Bulgaria, now [to be located] on the continent of Antarctica itself," he added.

He also noted that it was important that scientific organizations, Sofia University, other universities, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, state institutions, NGOs, private companies and the media, all together start an initiative for acquisition of a new research ship for Bulgaria.