Turkey has deployed its deep-sea drilling vessel, Cagri Bey, to Somalia, marking what officials describe as the country’s first offshore energy exploration mission beyond its own maritime zone.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar called the development a “historic moment” for Turkey’s oil and gas exploration programme.
He said the ship would begin drilling in April at the Curad-1 well located off the coast of Somalia, according to Reuters.
“For the first time, our deep-sea drilling ship is setting out on a mission beyond (our maritime zone),” Bayraktar said during a ceremony held at Tasucu port in the southern province of Mersin.
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The minister explained that Cagri Bey, which recently became part of Turkey’s drilling fleet, is expected to arrive in Somalia in about 45 days.
He added that the vessel will be accompanied by three Turkish naval warships during its journey.
Bayraktar also outlined Turkey’s broader energy goals, stating that the country aims to produce 500,000 barrels per day of oil or equivalent hydrocarbons by 2028.
He added that Ankara expects to double that output through new discoveries and production-sharing agreements abroad.
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Image Credit: Baird Maritime
