The Bulgarian Antarctic Base
The Bulgarian Antarctic Base (BAB) “St. Kliment Ohridski” is a scientific research infrastructure included in the National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure (NRRI) of the Ministry of Education and Science. It is located on Livingston Island, part of the South Shetland Islands archipelago. The base lies approximately 840 km south of Cape Horn, about 13,800 km from Sofia, and 3,050 km from the South Pole.
Seasonality: open from November to March
Capacity: 35 people
Usable area: 200 m² main building + 500 m² technical facilities
Location: South Shetland Islands, Livingston Island
Our transport
The Research Vessel – RSV 421 “St. St. Cyril and Methodius”
RSV 421 “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” is the first Bulgarian research vessel to leave the Black Sea, sail across the World Ocean, and reach the icy coasts of Antarctica.
In addition to providing independent maritime transport to and from Livingston Island, the ship actively supports the implementation of scientific projects in the Southern Ocean.
Building Overview and Construction Timeline
The team
The successful implementation of Bulgarian Antarctic missions relies on the dedication, professionalism, and long experience of the people behind the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute and the National Centre for Polar Research at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.”
