Turkey Launches First Deepwater Drilling Project Off Somalia

Turkey is set to embark on its inaugural deepwater drilling venture off the coast of Somalia next month. This significant development was confirmed by Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s energy minister, during a media briefing. While specific details of the drilling program were not disclosed, this initiative marks Turkey’s first deepwater exploration project abroad, as reported by Reuters.

In 2024, Turkey and Somalia formalized an energy exploration agreement that aligns with Turkey’s broader strategy to diversify its energy supply and reduce dependence on imports. Last month, Bayraktar indicated that exploration activities would encompass both offshore and onshore sites following the completion of seismic studies initiated in October 2022 by state-owned Turkish Petroleum. These surveys evaluated three designated exploration zones, each covering approximately 5,000 square kilometers, equivalent to around 1,930 square miles.

Bayraktar stated, “We carried out seismic operations this year, and most likely 2026 will be a drilling year for us in Somalia’s offshore region.” Despite the optimistic outlook, he acknowledged the obstacles that accompany oil and gas exploration in Somalia. “They don’t even have a road to access the area. So, we need to build the relevant infrastructure. Security is another challenge, and we are working to address these issues,” he noted in December.

Challenges in Somalia’s oil sector are significant. An energy analyst estimated two years ago that Turkey might need to invest about $500 million in oil and gas exploration activities in Somalia. The Horn of Africa nation is believed to possess substantial oil reserves, potentially exceeding 30 billion barrels. Unfortunately, decades of conflict and famine have hindered its ability to exploit these valuable resources.

Historically, several major oil companies held exploration agreements with the Somali government prior to 1991. However, the collapse of the government and the subsequent political turmoil forced these companies to withdraw from the country. Since 2011, Turkey has emerged as a prominent investor in Somalia, positioning the nation at the center of its African policy.

As Turkey prepares for this ambitious deepwater drilling project, the outcome could significantly shape the energy landscape in both Turkey and Somalia, potentially unlocking vast resources that have remained untapped for decades.