This move follows a recent agreement between Turkey and Somalia, granting Turkey the authority to safeguard Somali waters from external threats while allowing exploration and drilling in Somalia's exclusive economic zone.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed that Turkish Petroleum holds licenses for three offshore areas, each covering 5,000 square kilometers, where the Oruc Reis will conduct a 3D seismic survey.
This will be the first time Turkey has carried out such research in open ocean waters. To ensure the ship’s safety, especially from piracy and potential land-based threats, Turkey is planning to deploy two frigates and auxiliary ships.
Tunc Demirtaş, an analyst from Seta, noted the unique challenges of operating in these waters, as Turkey has primarily conducted similar operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, Bayraktar expressed optimism about potential oil discoveries in the region, stating that any findings would be shared with the Somali state under a production-sharing agreement. Oil extracted could be processed in Turkish refineries and quickly integrated into the global market.
The deployment follows a defence and economic cooperation deal signed in February, which aims to strengthen Somalia's maritime security and assist in building a Somali navy. Additionally, Turkey and Somalia signed an oil and gas exploration agreement in March, permitting Turkish operations in Somalia's offshore fields.
Turkey’s increased presence in the region comes amid Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland to construct a military port, further emphasizing the strategic importance of this cooperation.
