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The Turkiye seismic exploration vessel, “Oruc Reis,” has successfully completed 50 percent of its seismic studies in Somali waters, according to Turkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar. The minister announced the milestone during a meeting in Istanbul with Somalia’s newly appointed Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister, Dahir Shire Mohamed, and his delegation.
The mission, which began last October when the vessel docked at Mogadishu seaport, aims to explore potential oil and natural gas reserves along Somalia’s coastline. The vessel is conducting extensive three-dimensional seismic studies, gathering vital geological data over a period of six to seven months. The collected information will be analyzed in Ankara to identify viable drilling locations.
Bayraktar expressed optimism about the collaboration between Turkiye and Somalia, emphasizing the strong and cooperative relationship between the two nations. “We will continue our efforts to bring our cooperation in energy and mining to a level worthy of the close and sincere relations between our countries,” Bayraktar said.
In addition to the ongoing seismic studies, Bayraktar highlighted a new cooperation process in mining. The meeting between the Turkish and Somali ministers reportedly explored additional opportunities for energy and mining ventures.
The deployment of the Oruc Reis vessel underscores Turkiye’s expanding energy ambitions in the region. As part of its strategic exploration efforts, the vessel, which initially gained prominence for conducting seismic studies in the Eastern Mediterranean, is now contributing to Turkiye’s mission to strengthen its foothold in energy exploration on international waters.
Somalia, which has long been perceived as an untapped resource hub, is emerging as a potential player in the global energy market. The collaboration with Turkiye is expected to bolster Somalia’s economy and pave the way for more energy sector investments in the region.
The Oruc Reis mission also carries geopolitical implications, as Turkiye continues to assert its influence in international energy projects. The vessel’s high-tech capabilities and experienced crew are key assets in Turkiye’s pursuit of energy security and regional partnerships.
As the project progresses, both nations are keen on deepening their cooperation. Analysts believe that this partnership has the potential to transform Somalia’s energy landscape, which has long remained underdeveloped due to political instability and lack of infrastructure.
The Turkish government has expressed its commitment to sharing expertise and technological resources to assist Somalia in achieving its energy exploration goals. With the seismic study now halfway complete, the prospect of identifying significant oil and natural gas reserves appears promising, signaling a new era of energy development in Somali waters.
This partnership reflects Turkiye’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with African nations and expand its influence in global energy markets. The outcome of the Oruc Reis mission is likely to shape the trajectory of energy exploration in East Africa and potentially attract more international interest in the region’s energy resources.