We Will Do Exploration Drilling Off Çayeli

Minister Bayraktar participated in the International Ayder Forum held in Rize this year with the theme of "Energy/Global Security and Diplomacy".

We Will Be a Net Exporter in Energy and Mining

Pointing out that Türkiye's energy demand is increasing, Bayraktar noted that they have developed an energy policy that prioritizes supply security. Stating that they will end Türkiye's foreign dependence on energy, Bayraktar said, "Türkiye will be a net exporter in energy and mines. We aim for an independent Türkiye in energy." Bayraktar also emphasized that they have developed policies towards the 2053 Net Zero Emission target in energy.

World's 4th Largest Energy Fleet

Stating that Türkiye has risen to the position of the country with the 4th largest fleet in the world with the last two ships joining the energy fleet, Bayraktar reminded that Türkiye has 6 drilling and 2 seismic ships.

Domestic Gas for 8 Million Households

Noting that 4 million households are currently using domestic natural gas, Bayraktar said, "2026 is a year of significant transformations and significant developments in energy. In 2026, our production in Sakarya Gas Field in the Black Sea will double. With our Osman Gazi Floating Production Platform, we will now produce natural gas enough for 8 million households ourselves." said.

Drilling Off Çayeli

Stating that Türkiye should write a new growth story in oil and natural gas, Bayraktar said, "We will drill 6 drillings in new locations in the Black Sea for exploration. One of them is within the borders of Rize, where we are currently in. It is a sounding we plan to do off the coast of Çayeli. We have determined the location of the location we plan to dig off the coast of Çayeli. It has a water depth of about one thousand 500 meters. After that, we will dig from 2 thousand 500 to 3 thousand meters of seabed and look for the hydrocarbon source that we think is at 4 thousand-4 thousand 500 meters. 2026 will be the year we will do this drilling," he said.

Different Geographies

Bayraktar said that many companies want to search in different geographies in common with them due to Türkiye's fleet and explorations in the Black Sea and Gabar. Noting that they will start drilling in Somalia this year, Bayraktar said, "We are hopeful from there too. Through partnerships in Libya, Iraq, that is, in our immediate geography and Syria, we will hopefully try to write this growth story outside. We aim for a Türkiye that is looking for oil and gas and in this sense has reduced its foreign dependence on oil and gas." said.

For Oil Purposes

Bayraktar also answered the questions of journalists at the Forum. Bayraktar stated that they are about to complete the technical works for drilling off the coast of Çayeli and said, "2026 will be our year for oil drilling in Çayeli."

It Can Become A Decision-Making Center

Emphasizing that this year's theme of the International Ayder Forum is 'Energy', Bayraktar said, "This forum can also become an important decision-making center where the business world and academia come together, perhaps international agreements and some decisions are made."