Scientific infrastructure and services
The BLUE CRYSTAL Research Center has the following laboratories and equipment.
- The planned main research infrastructure, related to WP1, 2, 4 and 7, is a new 24-meter, single-hulled, multifunctional, research vessel. Its construction and subsequent operation plays an important role in the implementation of the scientific program of the center and covers various aspects of the socio-economic development of the region, such as: job creation; technology transfer; scientific innovation; capacity building; environmental protection and sustainable use of marine resources.
- Specialized laboratory for “Digitalization and 3D scanning”
- Specialized laboratory for “3D design and modeling”
- Specialized laboratory for “3D prototyping and replication of objects”


- The planned core research infrastructure under WP3, 6 and 7 is related to the construction of an aerodynamics laboratory with a large wind tunnel. Current and potential environmental challenges require the introduction of an innovative approach to the design of buildings, ships and marine facilities, which will contribute to the reduction of their carbon footprint. The wind tunnel is an indispensable facility in boundary layer modelling for understanding the dispersion patterns of exhaust gases from different types of emission sources, as well as assessing pedestrian comfort in snowfall and other severe weather conditions.
- Specialized laboratory for “Serious Games and Simulations”
- Specialized laboratory for “Mixed and Augmented Reality”
Services
- Development of integrated municipal plans, business plans and analyses and investment plans/models to strengthen blue economy-oriented activities
- Development of integrated coastal management strategies that balance environmental protection and socio-economic development
- Services for developing predictive models for flooding, erosion, eutrophication and other environmental threats in the coast
- Services for developing models for simulating pollution scenarios and predicting the impact of pollution on existing infrastructure, species and habitats
- Scientific tourism in the Black Sea on board the research vessel to enhance education and disseminate scientific knowledge
- The research vessel is hired by offering services to Bulgarian and international research organizations, government agencies and private individuals
- Predictive models – climate impact, habitat status and species distribution in the Black Sea ecosystem
- Services for developing conceptual models and strategic guidelines for digital transformation of ports and improved energy efficiency
- Services for the development of digital twins of river and marine areas, coastal settlements and ports
- Development of training materials and provision of short-term specialized training on key digital and blue economy technologies
- Data center and data processing services for port authorities, shipping companies and enterprises
- Hydro- and aerodynamic design optimization of marine and river transport vehicles, drilling platforms and engineering vehicles for ocean exploitation
- Modeling studies of the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic efficiency of vehicles for energy production from renewable energy sources
- Services contributing to the sustainable development of the national economy, society and environmental protection, such as research on risk factors in shipping, development of fuel saving systems for ships when sailing in waves and wind, aerodynamic studies of noise and smoke from transport vehicles, air Flow around buildings, structures and facilities
Partners
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