One of Twin Ships Reaches Türkiye
The first of twin ships added to Türkiye's energy fleet to strengthen its exploration and drilling capabilities has arrived in the Blue Homeland. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alpaslan Bayraktar said, “The first of the two new drilling ships we have added to our fleet has arrived in Mersin Taşucu. Our 7th generation ultra-deep-sea drilling ship, capable of drilling up to 12,000 meters, will be used in our operations in the Mediterranean.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced in July that Türkiye's number of deep-sea drilling vessels had been increased from four to six. The first of the twin vessels, which were involved with the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry's affiliated company Türkiye Petrolleri, has arrived in Türkiye.
12,000-Meter Drilling Capability
Completed in South Korea in 2024, the ship can drill up to 12,000 meters deep in the deep sea. Dubbed the ‘7th generation ultra-deep-sea drilling ship’, the vessel is 228 meters long and 42 meters wide. The ship, which has a helicopter pad, also provides living space for 200 personnel.
Will Operate in the Mediterranean
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that the new drilling ship will operate in the Mediterranean operation. Minister Bayraktar said, “The first of the two new drilling ships we have added to our fleet has arrived in Mersin Taşucu. Our 7th generation ultra-deep-sea drilling ship, capable of drilling up to 12,000 meters, will be deployed in our operations in the Mediterranean.”
Second Ship to Arrive by the End of the Year
Minister Bayraktar said, “Our second drilling ship will also arrive in our country by the end of the year. Thus, Turkey will rise to become the country with the world's fourth largest deep-sea drilling fleet. This major move is a strong indicator that we are one step closer to our goal of complete energy independence. We are resolutely continuing on our path in the Blue Homeland.”
Energy Fleet
Before acquiring the new ships, Türkiye was the country with the world's fifth-largest energy fleet. The deep-sea drilling ships Fatih, Yavuz, Kanuni, and Abdülhamid Han, which are part of the energy fleet, are currently operating in the Sakarya Gas Field in the Black Sea. The Oruç Reis Seismic Research Vessel, returning to the Blue Homeland from its first intercontinental mission in Somalia, is preparing for its new mission in Filyos, while the Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Seismic Research Vessel is also being used in the Black Sea. In addition to deep-sea drilling and seismic research vessels, Türkiye's energy fleet includes 11 support vessels, one construction vessel, and one floating production platform.