On October 2, a virtual tour of the research vessel “Vityaz” was held on the Russian House’s online platform in Brussels, in cooperation with the Museum of the World Ocean.
This year marks several important anniversaries for the “Vityaz”: the 85th anniversary of its launch, the 75th anniversary of its first scientific voyage, and the 45th anniversary of its return from its last expedition. Additionally, 30 years ago, the vessel was moored at the quay of the Museum of the World Ocean.
Guests of the Russian House in Brussels joined the celebration of these dates during an online meeting with the Museum of the World Ocean. Julia Stepanchuk, the head of the History Department of the Museum of the World Ocean, Ph.D. in Geography, gave a welcoming address. She conducted a virtual tour of the “Vityaz” exhibits and shared stories about life on the research vessel, its oceanic studies, and scientific discoveries.
The “Vityaz” is not only a part of the history of our country but also a significant chapter in world history during the period of 1949–1979, filled with important achievements and geopolitical events. During this time, “Vityaz” became a leader in oceanic research and a symbol of peace and friendship. It was from the “Vityaz” that the depth of the Mariana Trench was first measured, marking the beginning of a crucial stage in Soviet marine science, often referred to as the “Vityaz era.”
Under the flag of the USSR Academy of Sciences, the ship completed 65 scientific voyages, covered about 800,000 nautical miles, and conducted 7,942 research stations. It measured the maximum depth of the Mariana Trench (11,022 m) and discovered a new type of organism, pogonophorans. The “Vityaz” also saw the formation of the Soviet oceanology school, with scientists from 50 institutes in the USSR and 20 countries worldwide participating in its expeditions.
In 1990, a decision was made to preserve the vessel and create an exhibition aboard. On July 12, 1994, the “Vityaz” was moored at the museum pier in Kaliningrad. This vessel became the foundation of the Museum of the World Ocean, and today it remains its main exhibit and the central attraction of the Historic Fleet Quay.
