Oruc Reis Departs for Exploration in Territorial Waters of Somalia

Turkish exploration ship Oruc Reis, on Saturday, departed for territorial waters of Somalia. Today marks a critical moment for Turkish-Somali relations. The Oruç Reis Seismic Research Vessel embarked on its journey to Somalia following a farewell ceremony at the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Somalia and Turkey recently signed Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement paving the way for enhanced collaboration and exploration efforts in Somali waters.

The ship departed Zonguldak’s Filyos Port. It will will follow a route through the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, and the Red Sea, arriving near Somalia by the end of October. The journey is expected to take around 19 days.

Upon arrival, the Oruç Reis will conduct 3D seismic research in three designated areas, with the operation expected to last approximately seven months. During this time, the vessel will collect data for both oil and natural gas exploration. The gathered information will be sent to Ankara for analysis, which will guide future drilling activities in the identified regions.

Measuring 87 meters in length and 23 meters in width, the Oruç Reis is a significant asset in Türkiye’s maritime exploration efforts. With this mission, Türkiye is expanding its exploration map, opening a new chapter in its relationship with its close ally, Somalia, through joint efforts to explore natural gas and oil reserve.

Somalia and Ethiopia have been locked in a dispute over a controversial memorandum of understanding signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland in January 2024. Turkey-Somalia agreements are being seen as an attempt by Somalia to undermine the implementation of Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU. Turkey, with a large military in the Horn of Africa country, is Somalia’s key defense partner. It is training Somalia forces too.

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