In brief
The ship left Varna on November 4 for Antarctica, will stop in Antalya for the U.N. Climate Change Conference COP 31, and supports Bulgaria’s polar research base. Its onboard BTA national press club will report on the mission. The voyage underscores Bulgaria’s growing involvement in international Antarctic cooperation.
The Bulgarian naval research vessel RSV 421 left the port of Varna on Saturday, November 4, on its fifth Antarctic voyage. The ship is headed for Antalya in Turkey, where it plans to dock in the coming days to take part in the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 31.
RSV 421’s mission is to support Bulgaria’s polar research at the St Kliment Ohridski Base on Livingston Island, part of the 35th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition. The Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna says the vessel’s work is essential for strengthening the country’s polar presence and scientific output.
During the voyage, the BTA national press club has been aboard since 2022. Media representatives, reporter Simona‑Alex Mihaleva and photojournalist Milena Stoykova, will continue to cover the expedition until the ship reaches Antalya.
Before setting out, a formal military send‑off ceremony took place at the Port of Varna’s Passenger Terminal. The ceremony marked the ship’s departure and highlighted its role in international Antarctic collaboration.
The stop in Antalya will give the crew an opportunity to highlight Bulgaria’s climate research and prepare for the discussions at COP 31.
