Türkiye's Oruç Reis vessel completes 234-day seismic mission in Somali waters PHOTO

The Turkish research vessel Oruç Reis has completed its 234-day seismic exploration mission in Somali waters.

A farewell ceremony will be held on June 15 after the vessel docks at the Port of Mogadishu, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Turkish newspaper Star.

The vessel collected 3D seismic data over a stretch of 4,464 km across three areas.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited the Oruç Reis upon the successful completion of its mission and expressed his gratitude to the crew.

Following a journey of approximately 15 days, the Oruç Reis will undergo technical maintenance and repairs at the Port of Filyos in early July. It is expected to be ready for its next mission by August.

For the record, the Oruç Reis is one of Türkiye’s most advanced seismic research vessels, equipped to carry out detailed underwater surveys for energy exploration. Operated by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA), the vessel has been involved in multiple high-profile missions, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean and, more recently, in East African waters.

Its deployment to Somali waters marked a significant step in deepening Türkiye–Somalia cooperation in the field of energy and maritime exploration. The mission comes in the context of a broader strategic partnership between the two countries, with Türkiye playing a growing role in Somalia’s development, infrastructure, and security sectors.

The Oruç Reis’s 234-day mission involved collecting critical 3D seismic data, which could help identify potential offshore oil and gas reserves. This data will be crucial for Somalia’s future efforts to develop its natural resources and build an energy sector capable of supporting its economic growth.

By Khagan Isayev