MOGADISHU, Somalia – Türkiye’s Oruç Reis Research Vessel is scheduled to embark on a mission to Somalia on Saturday, conducting the first-ever 3D seismic surveys for oil and gas in three licensed maritime zones, marking a key milestone in energy exploration.
Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that the Oruç Reis will explore areas spanning approximately 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles). President Tayyip Erdogan will attend a special ceremony in Turkey this Saturday to celebrate the ship’s departure.
Bayraktar expressed optimism, noting that they expect the region where the Oruç Reis will operate to have significant oil potential.
The Oruç Reis will be escorted by two navy frigates and support vessels as it makes its way to offshore Somalia via the Mediterranean, Suez Canal, and Red Sea.
Bayraktar also mentioned that Turkish Petroleum holds exploration licenses in a maritime jurisdiction divided into three fields, totaling 15,000 square kilometers. The three-dimensional seismic study is projected to last approximately seven months.
