A New Chapter in Energy History

A ceremony was held at the Port of Mogadishu to mark the arrival of the ultra-deepwater drilling vessel Çağrı Bey in Somalia. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, who attended the ceremony, stated, “With this historic step we are taking today, a new era is beginning in Turkish oil and natural gas exploration. Çağrı Bey will carry out Türkiye’s first deep-sea drilling operation abroad in Somalia.”

Expressing gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Somali President Hasan Sheikh Mahmoud for their trust and support, Minister Bayraktar added, “I greet you all with respect and esteem, hoping that in a few months we will be able to share good news—the glad tidings of a promising discovery—with both the Somali people and our nation.”

Turkish Delegation in Somalia

Following Çağrı Bey’s arrival in Somalia, a delegation from Türkiye traveled to the country. The delegation included Minister Bayraktar, as well as Abdullah Güler, the AK Party Group Chairman in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and Mustafa Elitaş, the AK Party Deputy Chairman.

Meeting with the Somali President

Minister Bayraktar first held a bilateral meeting with Somali President Hasan Sheikh Mahmoud in Somalia. This was followed by a meeting between the two delegations.

Visit to the Ship

Following the meetings, the delegation visited Çağrı Bey, which was anchored at the Port of Mogadishu. On board, Minister Bayraktar received a briefing on the operation and wished the crew success.

Welcome Ceremony

Following the visit, a welcome ceremony was held for Çağrı Bey. The ceremony, which began with a recitation from the Quran, featured traditional performances by Somalis. Somali President Mahmud, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dahir Shire Mohamed each delivered a speech.

President Erdoğan’s Greetings

Minister Bayraktar began his speech by recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s words, “Preserving Somalia’s unity and integrity under all circumstances is a top priority for us,” and conveyed his greetings.

A New Era

Recalling that he had once again arrived at the Port of Mogadishu in October 2024 to welcome the seismic research vessel Oruç Reis, Minister Bayraktar stated, “Oruç Reis conducted a seismic survey that lasted seven months. It collected 3D data covering an area of 4,500 square kilometers across three blocks. “Following the evaluation and interpretation of the seismic data, a promising geological structure was observed in the region. We named the well Curad, which means ‘the first newborn baby’ in Somali. With Curad-1, our first well located approximately 370 kilometers from Mogadishu, I believe a new era in energy is beginning in Somalia,” he said.

Fourth-Largest Fleet

Minister Bayraktar noted that Türkiye became a country with the world’s fourth-largest deep-sea exploration fleet following a significant change in 2016, stating, “With the capabilities we’ve developed over the past 10 years and our experienced workforce, we discovered natural gas in the Black Sea, and now we’re producing natural gas to supply 4 million homes in our country.”

Reached in 53 Days

Minister Bayraktar explained that they sent off Çağrı Bey from Mersin on February 15, that the ship crossed the Mediterranean from one end to the other, then circumnavigated the African continent, and after a 53-day voyage, anchored off the coast of Mogadishu. Minister Bayraktar added, “With this historic step we’ve taken today, a new era is beginning in Turkish oil and natural gas exploration. Çağrı Bey will carry out Türkiye’s first deep-sea drilling operation abroad right here in Somalia.”

The Second Deepest Offshore Drilling

Minister Bayraktar noted that the Curad-1 well is located 370 kilometers offshore and has a water depth of approximately 3,500 meters, stating, “We plan to drill approximately 4,000 meters from the seabed. We will reach a total depth of 7,500 meters. “With this depth, Curad-1 will be the world’s second-deepest offshore drilling operation,” he said.

A New Phase

Recalling President Erdoğan’s visit to Mogadishu in 2011, Minister Bayraktar stated, “Our relations, based on mutual respect, trust, and a win-win approach, have gained significant momentum since 2011. We have developed collaborations across various fields, from investment and trade to defense and energy.”

Technical Capacity and Operational Capability

Minister Bayraktar, emphasizing that Türkiye has now joined the ranks of countries conducting deep-sea drilling beyond its borders, stated, “I believe that this process, which began with the Oruç Reis and continues with the Çağrı Bey, is opening a new chapter both in Türkiye-Somalia relations and in Turkish oil and natural gas exploration. “The Somalia mission in Turkish energy history is a significant indicator that it has elevated overseas exploration and production activities, technical capacity, and operational capabilities to a new level. I believe this activity will make us more visible on the international stage and open the door to new opportunities.”

Contribution to Regional Stability

Minister Bayraktar noted that this important project will contribute not only to Somalia but also to regional stability and security, stating: I extend my gratitude to our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has guided us on this difficult and arduous path, always supporting and trusting us, and to the President of Somalia, Mr. Hasan Sheikh Mahmoud, who has resolutely taken strategic steps that will effectively change the fate of his country. With the hope that, God willing, in a few months’ time we will be able to share good news and the glad tidings of a significant discovery with both the Somali people and our nation, I greet you all with respect and esteem.

A Gesture in Somali

Minister Bayraktar delivered the opening and closing remarks of his speech in Somali. This gesture by Bayraktar was met with applause from the Somali audience.