MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkish oil drilling vessel departed Turkey on Sunday, heading toward Somalia to begin offshore exploration under a new bilateral energy cooperation agreement.
The seventh-generation drillship, Cağri Bey, was launched at an official ceremony attended by Somali and Turkish government officials from both nations.
Somalia’s petroleum and ports ministers, petroleum authority chief, and ambassador attended, joined by Turkey’s energy minister and several senior officials representing both countries.
Somali authorities stated the vessel will drill offshore as part of ongoing efforts to develop significant oil and natural gas resources.
The deployment follows agreements signed by Ankara and Mogadishu in early 2024, aiming to expand cooperation in economic, energy, and defense sectors.
Under the agreement, Turkey’s state energy company TPAO received legal rights to explore and produce hydrocarbons in three designated offshore exploration blocks.
Turkey also expanded military cooperation, sending personnel from air, naval, and ground forces to Somalia to assist in security and operational support.
Turkish naval vessels currently operating in Somali waters are expected to help protect offshore energy infrastructure and support ongoing drilling operations throughout the region.
Drilling is scheduled to begin later this year, targeting subsea reserves identified during previous seismic research, geological surveys, and other exploratory scientific studies.
Somali officials cite preliminary estimates indicating substantial oil and gas potential despite persistent security, logistical, and infrastructure challenges throughout the country.