Bulgarian Ports
Infrastructure Company

Students from the Europe Debate Club at the First Language High School in Varna will present successfully implemented European projects by the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.) in a memorable and engaging manner, as part of the initiative Detectives of European Projects. Among the selected projects are those focused on the development of a modern digital system for management and information services of maritime traffic in the Black Sea, as well as the establishment of two coastal centers for vessel traffic management and information services in Varna and Burgas. Bulgaria is the first country in the Black Sea region to build a system for controlling ships with hazardous cargo and protecting the marine environment from pollution.

On March 28, 2025, students from the school visited VTMIS Coastal Center Varna and became familiar with the operations of the maritime traffic management center, VTS Center Varna, which monitors and directs shipping traffic in the sea areas north of Cape Emine. Experts from the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company introduced the students to the functioning of the two coastal centers, which work in constant interaction to ensure control across the entire Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The event, organized by the Regional Information Center - Varna, was part of the National Campaign of the Network of Regional Information Centers Detectives of European Projects 2024-2025.

The students were able to immerse themselves in the working atmosphere and observe firsthand how the control of all passing vessels is carried out. The Varna Coastal Center also houses Bulgaria's operational center for the World Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS Operating Center), from which all communications required by Bulgaria under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS Convention) are carried out. The center is equipped with television and thermal imaging cameras, a meteorological station, and other specialized equipment. In case of emergency situations at the Burgas Coastal Center, the Varna Coastal Center is ready to take over operations across the entire Black Sea.

With the successful completion of BPI Co. projects, Bulgaria is one of the first EU member states to meet the EU shipping safety requirements and the EU directive requiring electronic processing of ship documents.