Turkiye exploration vessel arrives off Somalia to search for oil and gas

Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attend the welcoming ceremony of the Oruc Reis Seismic Research Ship at the Port of Mogadishu, Somalia on October 25, 2024. [TUR Ministry of Energy – Anadolu Agency]

Turkiye’s energy ambitions took a new turn as a Turkish exploration vessel arrived off Somalia’s coast to begin its search for oil and gas reserves, Anadolu News Agency reports.

The vessel, part of Turkiye’s state-owned energy company, TPAO, is expected to carry out extensive seismic surveys over the next few months.

The Somali government welcomed Turkiye’s exploration initiative, emphasizing the potential for economic growth and energy independence. However, some regional actors have expressed concerns over the potential impact on maritime borders and stability in the Horn of Africa.

This move aligns with Turkiye’s strategy to expand its influence in the region and secure new energy resources beyond the Mediterranean. Turkish Energy Minister, Fatih Donmez, highlighted that the project reflects Turkiye’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s development and enhancing energy cooperation.

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