Ankara (Turkiah News): Türkiye has made a major breakthrough in the energy sector by adding two state-of-the-art ultra-deepwater drilling ships to its national fleet. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that the vessels have been named “Cagri Bey” and “Yildirim.” One of them will be deployed in the coastal waters of Somalia, while the other will operate in the Black Sea for energy exploration.
With the inclusion of these vessels, Türkiye has now become the world’s fourth-largest holder of a deep-sea drilling fleet. According to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, both ships will operate under the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), increasing Türkiye’s ultra-deepwater drilling vessels from four to six.
The Cagri Bey will be deployed off the Somali coast and is currently undergoing preparation at Tasucu Port. Officials said it will be fully ready for its first drilling mission by the end of January 2026. Earlier, Turkish research vessels collected seismic data covering thousands of square kilometers in Somali waters, which is currently being analyzed in Ankara.
Meanwhile, the Yildirim will be used for energy exploration in the Black Sea. After arriving at Filyos Port, it will begin its first well-completion operation by the end of March under the Sakarya Gas Field Project, where other drilling vessels are already active.
Both ships are seventh-generation ultra-deepwater drilling vessels, measuring 228 meters in length and 42 meters in width, with the capability to drill up to depths of 12,000 meters. They are equipped with helipads and accommodation facilities for up to 200 personnel, enabling long-duration offshore operations.
Experts believe that the addition of these advanced vessels will significantly strengthen Türkiye’s energy self-sufficiency policy and enhance its role in overseas energy exploration.
