Turkey’s seismic survey vessel, Oruc Reis, has started exploring vast offshore blocks in Somalia, setting the stage for a potential energy revolution. The project, conducted under agreements between Turkey and Somalia, is focusing on blocks 152 and 153 within Somali waters.
Key Developments:
• Massive Resource Potential: Preliminary seismic scans suggest significant natural gas reserves in the surveyed blocks. If extended across Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), these deposits could place Somalia among the world’s top 10 oil and gas reserve nations .
• Turkish-Somali Partnership: The collaboration stems from a memorandum of understanding granting Turkey’s state-owned company, Turkish Petroleum (TPAO), exclusive exploration rights. This move is part of broader bilateral agreements strengthening ties between the two nations.
• Survey Scope: Oruc Reis will conduct three-dimensional seismic surveys over three licensed areas, each spanning approximately 5,000 square kilometers. The seven-month mission aims to gather detailed data for potential drilling sites.
• Economic Prospects for Somalia: If proven viable, these resources could transform Somalia’s economy, offering a significant boost to its GDP and creating opportunities for infrastructure development and international investment .
This discovery highlights Somalia’s untapped potential in the global energy market, signaling a new era of economic and strategic importance for the East African nation.
