On March 28, 2025, students from the Europe Debate Club at First Language High School in Varna participated in an educational visit to the Vessel Traffic Management and Information Services (VTMIS) Coastal Center in Varna. Organized by the Regional Information Center – Varna under the European initiative “Detectives of European Projects,” the visit provided students with firsthand insight into Bulgaria’s maritime digital infrastructure and the role of EU funding in enhancing coastal management and marine safety systems.
The VTMIS Coastal Center in Varna is a critical component of Bulgaria’s maritime surveillance network, overseeing shipping traffic along the northern Black Sea coast. Together with its counterpart in Burgas, the center ensures comprehensive monitoring of Bulgaria’s entire maritime zone. Equipped with advanced technologies such as thermal imaging cameras, meteorological stations, and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), the center facilitates real-time surveillance, data processing, and emergency response coordination .
Experts from the Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.) guided the students through the center’s operations, highlighting the integration of various sensor and communication systems. The VTMIS network comprises sensors on 35 remote sites along Bulgaria’s coast, providing real-time data on maritime activities . This infrastructure enables the monitoring of vessel movements, management of hazardous cargo, and prevention of marine pollution, aligning with EU directives on digital ship documentation and enhanced maritime safety .
The VTMIS project, developed in phases from 2002 to 2015, has significantly improved maritime safety and environmental protection in Bulgarian territorial waters. The system’s implementation has contributed to increased efficiency in maritime search and rescue operations and has enhanced the capacity for crisis prevention .
This educational initiative underscores the tangible impact of EU-funded projects on Bulgaria’s maritime sector and inspires the next generation to engage with the nation’s advancements in maritime technology and safety.
