The Bulgarian naval research vessel St. St. Cyril and Methodius (NIK 421) has set sail from Varna Sea Station on its fourth voyage to Antarctica, marking the start of Bulgaria’s 34th national Antarctic expedition.
Commanded by Captain Second Rank Radko Muevski, the vessel carries a 34-member crew, including cadets from the Higher Naval School “N. Y. Vaptsarov.” This is Muevski’s second mission leading the ship to the Bulgarian Antarctic base “St. Kliment Ohridski,” located on Livingston Island.
Speaking during the send-off ceremony, Prof. Hristo Pimpirev, head of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, highlighted the growing scientific importance of this year’s journey. He emphasized that, unlike previous expeditions focused mainly on logistics and construction, this mission centers on research.
“This expedition stands out because the focus is on science. Our laboratory is now fully built, but it still needs interior equipment. It’s a facility we can be proud of — it resembles something from another planet, like the Moon. Antarctica is our white Mars,” said Pimpirev.
The newly established laboratory will allow scientists to analyze biological and geological samples directly at the base, preventing potential degradation during transportation to Bulgaria. “That’s why they will be studied immediately in the laboratory,” Pimpirev explained, underscoring the importance of on-site analysis for more accurate results.
This year’s expedition will conduct 26 scientific projects — the highest number in the history of Bulgaria’s Antarctic missions. Many of these projects involve international collaboration, strengthening Bulgaria’s role in global polar research.
Among the joint efforts is a program with the United Arab Emirates focusing on meteorological and seismological studies. Another partnership with Germany’s Institute of Oceanology in Hamburg will examine the water currents between the Antarctic islands and the Bransfield Strait.
Researchers from Greece, Montenegro, Romania, and the UAE are also expected to join the Bulgarian team on Livingston Island, while cooperation with Spain, Argentina, and Peru continues.
For the young naval cadets on board, the expedition is an educational milestone. Chief Petty Officer Alexi Zhelyazkov described the journey as an invaluable opportunity to apply academic knowledge in real-world conditions.
“My expectations are very high. So far, my training has gone very well, and I’ve learned many new things. I hope to gain even more experience during the expedition,” he said.
Another cadet added, “The main task for us is to strengthen the skills we are taught at the Naval Academy by practicing them in real-life situations.”
The St. St. Cyril and Methodius continues to play a pivotal role in Bulgaria’s growing Antarctic presence. It symbolizes the nation’s dedication to exploration, education, and international cooperation in one of the most remote and challenging regions on Earth.
As the ship heads south once again, it carries not just equipment and personnel, but Bulgaria’s enduring commitment to science and discovery at the edge of the world.