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Turkey has sent its deep-sea drilling vessel, Cagri Bey, to Somalia in a move that both countries are calling historic. The ship departed on Sunday, marking the first time Turkey has carried out offshore energy exploration outside its own maritime territory. Officials from Ankara and Mogadishu say the mission signals a new chapter in their growing partnership.
Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the deployment as a major milestone in the country’s oil and gas ambitions. Speaking during a ceremony at Tasucu Port in Mersin province, he said the vessel is expected to begin drilling in April at the Curad-1 well off Somalia’s coast. According to him, the ship will take about 45 days to reach Somali waters and will be escorted by three Turkish naval warships during its journey.
Bayraktar noted that this is the first time one of Turkey’s deep-sea drilling ships has been sent beyond the country’s maritime zone. He said the mission reflects Turkey’s determination to strengthen its role in global energy exploration and reduce its reliance on imported oil and gas. Turkey has been working in recent years to expand its energy operations both at home and abroad as part of a long-term strategy to boost domestic production and secure new sources of hydrocarbons.
The mission follows an energy exploration agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia in 2024. Under the deal, Turkey was granted the right to explore for oil and gas in Somalia’s offshore areas. The agreement is part of broader cooperation between the two nations, whose ties have grown significantly over the past decade.
Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Daahir Shire Mohamed, welcomed the departure of the vessel, describing it as a symbol of progress and national renewal. He said the moment represents Somalia’s steady recovery and its efforts to rebuild the country’s economy after years of conflict and instability.
According to the minister, the drilling vessel is more than just technical equipment. He described it as a national symbol of hope and opportunity for the Somali people. He stressed that Somalia’s natural resources belong to the nation and must be managed responsibly. He pledged that any exploration and production activities would follow international standards and be handled with transparency to ensure that the benefits reach both current and future generations.
Somalia has long believed it holds significant offshore oil and gas reserves, but exploration has been limited due to insecurity and political challenges. With improved stability and stronger international partnerships, the government is now seeking to attract investment and unlock the potential of its natural resources to support economic growth.
For Turkey, the project is part of a larger energy vision. Bayraktar said Ankara aims to produce 500,000 barrels per day of oil or equivalent hydrocarbons by 2028. He added that Turkey hopes to double that amount through new discoveries and production-sharing agreements in other countries. Expanding exploration beyond its borders is seen as a key step toward achieving that goal.
The arrival of the Cagri Bey in Somali waters is expected to further strengthen ties between Ankara and Mogadishu. In recent years, cooperation between the two countries has expanded beyond diplomacy to include defense, infrastructure development, humanitarian aid and security support. Turkey has become one of Somalia’s closest partners, investing in major projects and providing training and assistance.
With offshore drilling now underway, energy exploration is set to become a central pillar of the relationship. Both governments say the project reflects shared ambitions for growth, stability and long-term prosperity. If successful, the exploration efforts could open a new economic chapter for Somalia while advancing Turkey’s broader energy strategy.