JidbaaleThe Oruc Reis research vessel from Turkey has reached the coast of Somalia, commencing a seven-month expedition to assess the possibilities for oil and natural gas in approved Somali seas. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed the arrival on Friday, indicating that the mission signifies Turkey’s growing energy collaboration with East Africa.
The vessel, designed for sophisticated three-dimensional seismic investigations, will function in three specified offshore areas, each encompassing around 5,000 square kilometers (1,931 square miles). The expedition is part of a comprehensive collaboration deal, finalized earlier this year, which conferred exclusive exploration rights to Türkiye’s national oil firm, Turkish Petroleum, in these regions.
The seismic data collected will be examined in Ankara to pinpoint potential locations for further drilling.
The deployment of the Oruc Reis corresponds with Turkey’s overarching ambition to expand its energy presence internationally. Through investments in the Somali Sea, Türkiye fortifies its strategic relationship with Somalia and bolsters East Africa’s development as a pivotal area for oil exploration.
