Turkish Vessel Set to Begin Exploration Somalia’s Coast for Oil And Natural Gas
Ankara, Turkey – A Turkish seismic research vessel, the Oruc Reis, is scheduled to commence oil and natural gas exploration off the coast of Somalia by the end of October, following a landmark energy cooperation agreement between Turkey and Somalia, Turkey’s Energy Ministry confirmed on Thursday.
The agreement, formalized in March, authorizes Turkey’s state-owned Turkish Petroleum to conduct exploration and potential production activities across three designated areas within Somali waters. Each licensed area covers approximately 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles).
The Oruc Reis, a flagship of Turkey’s energy exploration fleet, embarked on its journey from Turkey over the weekend. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the departure ceremony, alongside Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, underscoring the significance of this mission for Turkey’s growing presence in offshore energy ventures.
Route and Support Fleet
The vessel will traverse the Mediterranean Sea, pass through the Suez Canal, and navigate the Red Sea before reaching its destination. Accompanying the Oruc Reis will be two Turkish naval frigates, along with a fleet of support vessels, including the Zaganos Pasa Support Ship, the Sancar Platform Support Ship, and the Ataman Tracking Ship, ensuring safe passage and operational support during its mission.
A Proven Track Record in Seismic Exploration
Commissioned in 2017, the Oruc Reis is a testament to Turkey’s domestic engineering capabilities, having been entirely designed and constructed within the country. The research vessel is outfitted for advanced geophysical, geological, oceanographic, and hydrographic studies. At 87 meters (285 feet) in length and 34 meters (111 feet) in height, the ship’s four 2,520-kilowatt diesel-electric engines enable it to perform high-precision 2D and 3D seismic surveys, crucial for identifying offshore oil and gas prospects.
The Oruc Reis has already covered a vast area of 23,000 square kilometers (8,880 square miles) in previous missions, amassing critical data for Turkey’s offshore energy exploration efforts. Its deployment to Somali waters marks a new chapter in the country’s strategy to expand its energy footprint into new territories.
Strategic Partnership with Somalia
This latest mission stems from a series of agreements signed earlier this year between Turkey and Somalia, which paved the way for Turkish Petroleum to secure exploration rights in three offshore blocks. The energy partnership is seen as mutually beneficial, with Turkey gaining access to untapped resources and Somalia benefiting from potential energy revenues and the expertise of a major player in offshore exploration.
Turkey’s Ministry of Energy has stated that the surveys in Somali waters are just the beginning, with plans to deepen cooperation and expand exploration activities in the region, signaling a long-term commitment to joint energy development.
