Turkey says Somalia offshore drilling could yield oil within 9 months

MOGADISHU, Nov 17 — Turkey’s energy minister said on Saturday that offshore drilling off Somalia’s coast could lead to oil production within six to nine months, as Ankara launched its first deep-sea energy operation outside its territory.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar described the start of drilling as a “historic” milestone in Turkey–Somalia relations, saying it marked a new phase of cooperation in developing Somalia’s offshore energy potential.

Speaking at a ceremony in Mogadishu to welcome Çağrı Bey ship on Friday, Bayraktar said the project followed seven months of seismic exploration by the vessel Oruç Reis, which collected 3D data covering about 4,500 kilometres of Somali waters. He said the survey identified promising geological formations that supported moving into drilling.

Turkey has now begun drilling its first exploratory well, named Curad-1, located about 370 km off Mogadishu’s coast. Officials say the well will reach depths of up to 7,500 metres, potentially making it one of the deepest offshore wells globally.

Bayraktar said the drilling vessel Çağrı Bey would carry out the operation, which he said was Turkey’s first deep-water drilling project abroad, marking Ankara’s entry into global offshore exploration beyond its borders.

He said around 500 personnel would be involved, with operations expected to last between six and nine months, depending on sea and weather conditions.

The minister expressed optimism that the drilling could produce commercially significant results, saying any discovery would benefit Somalia’s economy and strengthen regional stability.

Turkey has expanded its diplomatic and economic presence in Somalia in recent years, becoming one of Mogadishu’s key partners in security, infrastructure, and energy.

GAROWE ONLINE