Turkiye plans to launch offshore oil drilling activities off the coast of Somalia in 2026 after completing ongoing seismic studies in the region, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters, Bayraktar noted that Türkiye’s Oruc Reis seismic research vessel conducted a 3D seismic survey in three designated zones last year, each covering around 5,000 square kilometers.
“We completed seismic operations this year, and most likely 2026 will be a drilling year for us in Somalia’s offshore region,” he said, adding that an official announcement is expected in January once the survey results are finalized.
A Turkish official previously told MEE that the seismic data would be ready early next year.
Complex drilling, security measures
Bayraktar said Türkiye will deploy its newly acquired vessels for upcoming deep-sea operations, noting that drilling in waters up to 3,000 meters deep will require complex technical capabilities.
Security remains a key issue along Somalia’s coastline. Turkish naval frigates escorted the Oruc Reis for nearly 10 months during seismic activities due to security concerns in the area.
Onshore operations also planned
Under the Türkiye–Somalia energy cooperation agreement, Ankara also aims to initiate onshore drilling activities.
“In 2026, we aim to move from seismic studies to direct drilling in the onshore block,” Bayraktar said.
He underlined the need for critical infrastructure before drilling begins. “There is not even road access to the location. We will need to build the necessary infrastructure. Security is another challenge, and we are working to address these issues.”
A Somali source familiar with the process said a tender for road construction will be launched soon, with infrastructure expected to be completed ahead of drilling.
High potential, large investment
According to U.S. government assessments, Somalia may hold at least 30 billion barrels of oil and gas reserves. However, developing these resources would require substantial investment over several years.
Energy experts estimate Türkiye may need to invest up to $500 million for offshore exploration and initial drilling, with full development potentially costing several billion dollars.
Deepening Türkiye–Somalia cooperation
Türkiye has been a key partner to Somalia for more than a decade. Since 2011, Ankara has provided over $1 billion in humanitarian assistance and has built its largest overseas embassy in Mogadishu.
Türkiye operates a major military training base in the Somali capital and has trained thousands of Somali soldiers. Turkish companies also run Mogadishu’s port and airport.