The Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) was given a ceremonial send-off at the Port of Varna, on the Black Sea, on Wednesday ahead of its fifth mission to Antarctica.

The vessel is heading to the Antarctic continent to provide logistical support for the latest Bulgarian polar expedition and scientific research at Bulgaria’s St Kliment Ohridski Antarctic Base on Livingston Island.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony, Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General and Vice President-elect Kiril Valchev described the Antarctic expeditions as one of Bulgaria’s finest representations to the world.

Valchev said the research vessel was among the country’s symbols internationally. He noted that Bulgaria was one of only 29 countries involved in the governance of Antarctica and one of the few countries, including within the European Union, to have its own research vessel.

According to Valchev, Bulgarian scientific research is among the best examples of the country’s strong international presence. He recalled that the presidential institution had supported Antarctic expeditions since the time of President Zhelyu Zhelev and that Bulgarian heads of state, in their capacity as commanders-in-chief, had traditionally presented the national flag flown at the Antarctic base each year.

Valchev said he had visited Antarctica three times and had participated in polar expeditions even before becoming BTA Director General. He stressed the importance of continued support for these missions and of raising public awareness of their significance for Bulgaria’s international standing.

The Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna said the vessel’s mission was essential to developing Bulgaria’s polar presence, supporting scientific research and strengthening the country’s role in international Antarctic cooperation.

Representatives of national and local institutions, the Bulgarian Navy, and the academic and scientific communities were expected to attend the ceremonial send-off.