Turkey has launched its first-ever overseas deep-sea oil and gas drilling mission off the coast of Somalia, marking a major step in its strategy to expand energy exploration beyond its borders. The operation, which began in early 2026, involves the deployment of the advanced Çağrı Bey drillship to offshore Somali waters under a bilateral energy agreement signed in 2024, as reported by Reuters.
The drilling campaign will focus on deepwater blocks within Somalia’s territorial waters, with the vessel capable of operating at depths of up to 12,000 metres. According to Türkiye Today, the first well, known as Curad-1, is expected to be drilled about 370 kilometres offshore at a depth of roughly 7,500 metres, following extensive seismic surveys conducted between 2024 and 2025.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar described the mission as a “new era” in the country’s energy exploration ambitions, noting that the initiative is part of efforts to reduce reliance on imported energy and diversify supply sources. The project is also backed by a broader security and defence framework, including naval deployments to safeguard offshore operations in the region, reflecting the strategic importance of the venture.
Somalia, which is believed to hold significant untapped hydrocarbon reserves, stands to benefit from increased investment and potential future production, although commercial viability remains uncertain. The launch of the drilling mission underscores deepening economic and strategic ties between Ankara and Mogadishu, while positioning East Africa as an emerging frontier in global energy exploration.
