(25 Oct 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – A Turkish energy exploration ship, Oruç Reis, arrived today at Mogadishu Port, launching a significant oil exploration project in Somalia. Somali officials and dignitaries gathered for a formal welcome event as the ship prepares to commence seismic surveys in Somalia’s waters.
According to Somalia’s Petroleum Minister, Abdirisaq Omar Mohamed, and Turkey’s Minister of Energy, Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkish Petroleum holds licenses for three blocks in Somali seas, each covering 5,000 square kilometres. Oruç Reis will conduct a pioneering 3D seismic survey in an unexplored section, aiming to gather essential data on oil and natural gas potential over a seven-month mission.
The vessel, measuring 87 metres in length and 23 metres in width, is a critical asset in Turkey’s maritime exploration programme. Its arrival follows a bilateral energy cooperation agreement allowing Turkey’s state-owned oil company to acquire rights to three prospective sites in the Somali Sea.
Officials hope that data from this project will support Somalia’s future drilling initiatives and could significantly reshape the nation’s energy sector.
Halqabsi News
