A Turkish seismic research vessel has returned home after completing the country’s first intercontinental energy exploration mission, gathering critical seismic data in Somali waters during an eight-month deployment, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
The vessel, named Oruç Reis after the 16th-century Ottoman admiral and cartographer known for his naval expeditions, passed through the Dardanelles Strait on Wednesday, after 234 days at sea, according to Anadolu.
The Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources said the mission began on October 5, 2024, to evaluate hydrocarbon potential in Somalia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Built in 2017 with national resources, the Oruç Reis is 87 meters long, 23 meters wide and 34 meters tall. It is equipped for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional seismic surveys.
During the deployment, the vessel collected 3D seismic data over 4,464 square kilometers across three offshore blocks. Analysis is now underway in Ankara to identify potential drilling sites. Drilling is expected to begin by late 2025 or early 2026, pending environmental reviews and logistical planning.
The vessel was accompanied throughout its mission by a Turkish Naval Task Group, which included the TCG Gediz, TCG Gökova and TCG Üsteğmen Arif Ekmekçi warships. The group provided security and conducted joint training activities. The vessel left the port of Mogadishu on June 15.
Somalia, which has depended on petroleum imports since the collapse of its energy infrastructure in the early 1990s, hopes to revive the sector. The Somali Petroleum Authority (SPA) is expected to release detailed petroleum survey results in July 2025, incorporating both offshore and onshore data.
SPA Chairman Eng. Abdulkadir Aden Mohamud said the assessments would clarify the scope of Somalia’s hydrocarbon reserves.
The mission follows a series of bilateral agreements signed between Turkey and Somalia. In February 2024 the two countries reached a 10-year defense and economic cooperation deal granting Turkey responsibility for maritime security in Somali waters. In return, Turkey is entitled to 30 percent of revenue from Somalia’s EEZ.
Additional agreements in March and October 2024 authorized the Turkish Petroleum Corporation to explore up to 15,000 square kilometers of offshore and inland territory.
Documents disclosed in April 2025 outlined revenue-sharing terms allowing Turkey to retain most extracted resources initially to recover operational costs.
These agreements also exempt Turkish companies from several fees and assign legal jurisdiction to courts in İstanbul rather than Somalia.
The arrangements have sparked debate in Somalia. Some lawmakers and civil society groups argue that the contracts limit national control and call for greater transparency and a larger share of revenues to support public services. Supporters claim the deals enable energy development without financial risk to Somalia.
Turkey has steadily expanded its military and diplomatic presence in Somalia over the past decade. In June 2025 Turkey delivered three T-129 Atak helicopters and two utility helicopters to Somali forces. Somali pilots received training in Turkey before the transfer.
Since opening Camp TURKSOM in 2017, Turkey has trained thousands of Somali soldiers. In 2023, Turkey provided armed drones for counterinsurgency use. Turkish support also extends to naval development and efforts to rebuild Somalia’s maritime patrol capacity.
Turkey also played a mediating role during the December 2024 tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, following Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland. Ankara helped facilitate dialogue, paving the way for Turkish involvement in future infrastructure and logistics projects.
In addition to military and energy cooperation, Turkey has invested in Somalia’s civil infrastructure. Turkish companies operate Mogadishu’s airport and seaport and have undertaken projects in health, education and public works. These initiatives have been ongoing since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s 2011 visit to Mogadishu, supported by both state and humanitarian channels, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.