site.bta33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition Concludes with Landmark Achievements

A presentation highlighting the achievements of the 33rd Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition took place on the day Bulgaria's first naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) docked in Varna. Participating in the event in the Star Hall of the Naval Academy's Planetarium were Vice President Iliana Iotova, Bulgarian Antarctic Institute President Prof. Christo Pimpirev and Commander Nikolay Danailov, among others.

RSV 421 departed from Varna on its third Antarctic expedition on November 7, 2024, and arrived at Livingston Island on December 28. The St Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingston Island opened for the new polar season on November 23, 2024.

Vice President Iliana Iotova said Bulgarian polar researchers have become a benchmark for exceptional scientific professionalism and for research that will benefit all of humanity. She noted that her visit to Varna expressed the presidential institution's deep respect for the achievements of Bulgarian scientists. "Our researchers do not merely bring us pride and confidence – their contributions are recognized and utilized worldwide," she said.

In her view, the project involving RSV 421, operated by the Varna Naval Academy, is one of Bulgaria’s most successful undertakings in recent years.

Prof. Christo Pimpirev, President of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, said the 33rd polar expedition had been one of the most successful to date. Bulgarian scientists worked on over 30 projects. Research into solar activity was launched for the first time, thus introducing astrophysics and astronomy into the scope of polar studies. Bulgarian researchers also carried out numerous projects in microbiology. Geological surveys, which were conducted on Smith Island for the first time, suggest the possible presence of turquoise: "Smith Island is yet to be explored, as it is also believed to be rich in valuable rare metals. We must study it because in 20 years, when the moratorium is lifted, Bulgaria will be able to benefit from these resources," said Prof. Pimpirev.

One of the top achievements is the completion of the scientific laboratory at the Bulgarian base on Livingston Island. The facility will enable scientists, not just Bulgarian ones, to conduct research for many years to come, said Pimpirev.

Commander Nikolay Danailov, who was commanding officer of RSV 421 during the two previous Antarctic expeditions, spoke about the risks and high points of the voyage.  During a port call in the Argentine city of Mar del Plata a twinning agreement was signed between that city and Varna.

He said continuous training ensures the crew is prepared to work both in the heat of the Equator and in the sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica. RSV 421 received timely intelligence regarding potential piracy attacks, he said. Mandatory live-fire training exercises against maritime targets were conducted on board, and reports on the drills appeared in local media, implying that the vessel is armed and capable of sailing even in higher-risk areas.

Also attending the event were the Naval Academy's Rector, Flotilla Admiral Prof. Kalin Kalinov, Prof. Boyan Mednikarov, and the Sofia University Rector, Prof. Georgi Valchev.

BTA has a national press club on the vessel and at the Bulgarian Antarctic base. This is the third year in a row that BTA has sent a correspondent to Antarctica. This year's correspondent was Milena Ostrovska, who arrived at the base on January 17. Her reports are available for free in English at the Bulgaria-Antarctica Log on BTA's website and can be used for free by all media with attribution to BTA.