ANKARA – Turkey is sending a giant ship to Somalia’s waters for the exploration of hydrocarbons amid tensions in the Horn of Africa region.
“In this context, Oruç Reis, which will set off from Filyos Port, will pass through the Bosporus on Saturday and head toward Somalia. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will bid farewell to Oruç Reis.”
Oruç Reis will be accompanied by two navy frigates and support ships and will reach offshore Somalia via the Mediterranean, Suez Canal and the Red Sea, the ministry said.
The three-dimensional seismic study is expected to last about seven months.
“Oruç Reis will conduct a three-dimensional seismic study, which has never been done before, in three licensed areas off the coast of Somalia. During the activity, which is expected to last approximately seven months, Oruç Reis will collect data for both natural gas and oil,” the statement said.
“The collected data will be analyzed in Ankara, and drilling operations will begin in the determined locations, depending on the results.”
Türkiye has become a close ally of the Somali government in recent years. The two have also signed a defense and economic cooperation agreement earlier this year.
Ankara has also recently been a mediator between Somalia and Ethiopia over a dispute on Ethiopia’s deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland for access to its coastline.
In 2017, Türkiye opened its biggest overseas military base in Mogadishu. It also provides training to the Somali military and police.
Source: Daily Sabah
