In brief
The Bulgarian naval research vessel RSV 421 left Varna on November 4 for its fifth Antarctic voyage, heading toward Antalya to join this year’s COP 31. The ship supports Bulgaria’s polar research at St Kliment Ohridski Base and marks the country’s growing role in Antarctic cooperation.
The Bulgarian naval research vessel RSV 421 departed from Varna on Saturday, November 4, as part of its fifth Antarctic voyage, with a course that includes a stop in Antalya, Turkey, in time for the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 31.
A formal military send‑off ceremony was held at the Passenger Terminal of the Port of Varna before the ship set sail, underscoring the significance of the mission for Bulgaria’s presence in international Antarctic cooperation.
The vessel’s primary objective is to support the 35th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition and the research activities at the Bulgarian St Kliment Ohridski Base on Livingston Island.
According to the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna, RSV 421’s mission is essential for advancing scientific research and strengthening the country’s role in Antarctic cooperation.
A BTA national press club has been operating aboard RSV 421 since 2022; media representatives Simona‑Alex Mihaleva and photojournalist Milena Stoykova will remain aboard until the vessel docks in Antalya.
RSV 421 is expected to dock in Antalya in the coming days to participate in COP 31, though the exact arrival date has not yet been confirmed.
