Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy (NVNA) (Bulgarian: Висше Военноморско Училище \"Никола Йонков Вапцаров\", ВВМУ) is the oldest technical educational institution in the Republic of Bulgaria. Its history, past and present achievements establish the institution as the most prestigious centre for training of maritime (merchant marine and Navy) specialists in the country. Its development over the years resembles a navigable river, into which many tributaries flow, as well as the \"prototypes\" of the present-day faculties, departments, and vocational colleges constituting the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.
The foundations of maritime education in this country were laid in the city of Ruse pursuant to Circular order №7/January 16, 1881 of the Ministry of War of the Principality of Bulgaria. The circular order announced the establishment of a Maritime School, as of January 9, 1881.
History has retained the name of the founder of the institution, lieutenant commander Alexander Egorovich Konkevich, \"Superintendent\" of the Fleet and the Maritime Unit (the official name of the Bulgarian Navy in the 19th century)
