Turkey Prepares First Deepwater Drilling Venture Off Somalia

Turkey is set to commence its inaugural deepwater drilling operation off the coast of Somalia next month, marking a significant milestone in Ankara’s overseas energy exploration strategy. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed the development to media outlets, though he refrained from disclosing specific operational details regarding the drilling programme.

The initiative stems from an energy exploration agreement signed between Turkey and Somalia in 2024, which forms part of Turkey’s broader strategy to diversify its energy supply sources and reduce dependence on imports. State-owned Turkish Petroleum will undertake the exploration work, which encompasses both offshore and onshore operations.

Seismic surveys commenced in October of the previous year, covering three distinct exploration zones. Each zone spans approximately 5,000 square kilometres, totalling nearly 1,930 square miles of prospective territory. Speaking in December, Bayraktar indicated that the completion of these seismic operations would pave the way for drilling activities to begin in 2026.

The minister acknowledged substantial operational challenges associated with the Somalian venture. Infrastructure deficiencies represent a primary concern, with Bayraktar noting the absence of road access to certain exploration areas. Security considerations pose an additional hurdle, though authorities are actively working to mitigate these risks. Analysts have estimated that Turkey may need to commit approximately 500 million dollars to oil and gas exploration activities in Somalia.

Somalia possesses potentially considerable hydrocarbon reserves, with estimates suggesting deposits of 30 billion barrels or more. However, the country’s protracted conflict and humanitarian crises, spanning several decades, have prevented the exploitation of these mineral resources. Prior to 1991, multiple international oil majors maintained exploration agreements with the Somali government, but these arrangements were abandoned following the government’s collapse and subsequent instability.

Turkey has maintained a sustained investment presence in Somalia since 2011, positioning the East African nation as a cornerstone of its continental engagement policy. The deepwater drilling venture represents a natural extension of this long-term strategic relationship, whilst simultaneously addressing Turkey’s domestic energy security objectives.