The Bulgarian naval research vessel RSV 421 is slated to reach the Bosphorus Strait on Thursday as part of its fifth expedition to Antarctica, a development reported by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). The ship, departing Varna the previous day, will pass through the narrow Turkish waterway in the morning and then turn toward the Dardanelles, eventually proceeding into the Aegean Sea toward Antalya for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). The itinerary underscores Bulgaria’s commitment to Antarctic research and international climate dialogue, with the vessel expected to provide logistical support for the St Kliment Ohridski Base on Livingston Island.
According to Captain Radko Muevski, commander of RSV 421, the vessel is anticipated to be in the Bosphorus vicinity at about 6 – 7 a.m. on November 5. Muevski added that the ship would pass through the Bosphorus during the morning and expect to anchor at the southernmost entrance to the strait by around 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. at the latest for refueling. The precision of this schedule highlights the logistical demands of long‑haul maritime support for polar scientific missions.
“We expect to be in the area of the Bosphorus Strait at around 6‑7 a.m. on November 5,” said Muevski. “We will pass through the Bosphorus in the morning and, by around 9 a.m., or 10 a.m. at the latest, we expect to anchor at the southernmost entrance to the Bosphorus, where we will refuel.”
After refueling, RSV 421 will continue its passage towards the Dardanelles Strait through the Sea of Marmara, entering the Aegean Sea in the evening. According to BTA, the vessel’s subsequent mission is to head for Antalya to take part in COP31, the year’s edition of the UN Climate Change Conference, where it will serve as a platform for national climate initiatives and scientific exchange.
RSV 421’s operations support the Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, the 35th overall, with an objective of sustaining research activities at the St Kliment Ohridski Base on Livingston Island. This enterprise is part of a broader strategy outlined by the Naval Academy in Varna, emphasizing the importance of Bulgaria’s presence in the polar regions, the conduct of scientific research, and active participation in international Antarctic cooperation.
In addition to its scientific role, RSV 421 hosts a national press club operated by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) since 2022. Media representatives Simona‑Alex Mihaleva and photojournalist Milena Stoykova will accompany the ship for the duration of the fifth expedition, offering on‑board coverage that will remain through the vessel’s arrival in Antalya. Their presence highlights the collaborative nature of modern polar exploration, blending scientific endeavor with media engagement to disseminate research findings to a global audience.
