Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPIC) concludes another successful year.
At the beginning of 2018, the company added another prestigious award to its professional portfolio – a prize in IT technology for the implemented integrated information system for resource planning and management. BPI Co. received first prize in the “Transport and Logistics” category in the corporate sector at the “IT Project of the Year 2017” competition.
The Director General of BPI Co. participated in a high-level ministerial meeting in March on “Multimodal Transport for Europe,” included in the official program of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council. He took part in discussions focused on effective port-hinterland connections – the most essential condition for multimodal transport development.
In the same month, Angel Zaburtov was selected as “Port Pro of the Month” by the Executive Committee of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), and in April, the company hosted the organization’s meeting in Sofia. The meeting was attended by official representatives of ESPO members from over 10 European countries, including the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Norway.
Over 200 global experts exchanged experience at the 7th International Conference and Exhibition “Black Sea Ports and Shipping,” held under BPI Co.’s aegis in May in Varna. This landmark forum was held in Bulgaria for the first time, recognizing BPIC’s achievements in modernizing Bulgarian ports and maritime transport.
In May,BPI Co. officially launched the construction of a Congress and Research Center for Black Sea Control and Research in the presence of numerous officials. The modern six-level building will be located in the northern part of the eastern breakwater at Burgas-East 1 port terminal. It will be used year-round as a venue for exhibitions, concerts, attractions, and various educational events.
BPIC achieved international success as well. In late May, company representatives participated in the 19th International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Conference on “Successful Voyages, Sustainable Planet – A New Era for Marine Aids to Navigation in a Connected World” and performed exceptionally well during the exhibition “Lighthouses – World Cultural and Historical Heritage,” held within the forum.
In June,BPI Co.’s book “Lighthouses and Other Navigational Aids Along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast (1878-2018)” was presented to a full house at the Sailor’s House in Varna. The bilingual publication presents navigation aids, guidance, and traffic control facilities along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast in greater detail than any previous publications.
The general vision of the Port Community System (PCS) for Bulgarian ports in Varna and Burgas was presented to great interest in June. The development of PCS is crucial for Bulgarian ports’ development – providing efficient information exchange and reducing administrative burden. It will facilitate electronic information exchange in ports, saving time and resources.
BPIC participated in the International Day of the Seafarer celebrations in Varna and organized a ceremonial celebration of International Danube Day in Lom. In October, the 180th anniversary of Port Lom was celebrated, with an official postal stamp validation and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the port’s new vehicle access.
Another recognition came at year’s end. On World GIS Day in November, BPI Co.’s interactive shipping map received an award in the “Travel and Tourism” category at the national map competition “Rediscovering Bulgaria with GIS.” The map showcases BPIC’s high-tech and advanced vessel traffic management systems, as well as their predecessors – the lighthouses.
In December, on Burgas City Day, a modern electric vehicle charging station was inaugurated. With this new facility installed in the parking area of Burgas-East 1 port terminal, BPI Co. contributed to a modern and “green” Burgas, and the port celebrated St. Nicholas Day with another addition to its European vision.
Throughout 2018, numerous public events were held, presenting progress on various projects in which BPI Co. actively participated.
After successfully completing tasks and achieving goals, the year-end brings satisfaction with the accomplished results. And it’s time for a bold look toward the challenges of the upcoming year 2019.