Oruç Reis Ship Sailing to Somalia Today
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to send off the Oruç Reis ship on a mission to Somalia, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The ship, which will pass through the Bosphorus on Saturday, will be accompanied by Minister Alparslan Bayraktar at the farewell ceremony.
The Oruç Reis will travel to the coast of Somalia through the Mediterranean, Suez Canal, and Red Sea route. Expected to arrive towards the end of October, the ship will conduct seismic work for oil and natural gas in 3 licensed maritime jurisdictions. During this mission, the Oruç Reis will be escorted by two frigates from the navy, along with the Zağanos Pasha Support Ship, Sancar Platform Support Ship, and Ataman Pursuit Ship.
Specifically, the Oruç Reis will carry out three-dimensional seismic studies for these areas for the first time off the coast of Somalia. The mission, lasting approximately 7 months, will involve collecting data for both natural gas and oil. Subsequent analysis of the data in Ankara will lead to drilling operations in determined locations based on the results.
Minister Bayraktar emphasized that Turkish Petroleum holds an exploration license in a 15,000 square kilometer maritime area in Somalia. He stated that sending the Oruç Reis to carry out seismic studies is the initial step in the exploration process. The Minister anticipates that the ship will operate in an oil-rich region, conducting a groundbreaking 3D seismic study.
The Oruç Reis, constructed in Turkish shipyards and operational since 2017, is equipped for geophysical, geological, oceanographic, and hydrographic studies. With a length of 87 meters, width of 23 meters, and height of 34 meters, the ship features 4×2,520 kW diesel electric engine power for underwater research activities.
In light of agreements between Türkiye and Somalia this year, Turkish Petroleum secured licenses for 3 fields in the Somali seas. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources aims to conduct seismic activities for the first time in 3 license areas, each covering approximately five thousand square kilometers. The mission of the Oruç Reis represents a significant step in furthering exploration and resource extraction efforts in the region.
