ANKARA/ISTANBUL, Turkey (Horn Life) РTurkey has announced plans to deploy two frigates along with additional naval support to Somali waters, aiming to protect its seismic research vessel, Orṳ Reis, as it embarks on an unprecedented 3D seismic study for energy exploration. This move comes under the umbrella of a bilateral agreement with Somalia, which not only authorizes Turkey to safeguard Somali maritime territory but also grants exploration rights for energy resources.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar disclosed that Turkish Petroleum holds licenses for three expansive areas, totaling 15,000 square kilometers, in the Somali sea. The deployment of Oruç Reis, set for a mission to conduct detailed seismic surveys, marks a significant step in Turkey’s strategic expansion into energy exploration beyond its traditional regions.
The decision to bolster the research vessel with naval protection reflects Turkey’s cautious approach to operating in the open ocean, where threats such as piracy and geopolitical tensions could jeopardize operations. Tunc Demirtas from the Seta think tank emphasized the security considerations, highlighting the novelty and the risks associated with such deep-sea exploration.
This initiative is part of a broader defense and economic cooperation deal signed between Turkey and Somalia earlier this year, aimed at enhancing Somalia’s maritime security and fostering economic ties through energy exploration. The agreement comes at a time when Turkey is increasingly looking to secure its energy interests abroad, leveraging its naval capabilities to protect its investments and strategic partnerships.
The deployment of Turkish frigates to Somali waters not only underscores Ankara’s commitment to its energy exploration projects but also signals its intent to play a more active role in regional security dynamics, potentially reshaping power balances in the Horn of Africa. This move has been met with mixed reactions, with some regional actors viewing it as an overreach, while others see it as a beneficial partnership for Somalia’s development.
As Turkey prepares for this significant operation, the international community watches closely, aware of the implications for regional stability and the global energy market. The success of this venture could set a precedent for future collaborations in energy-rich but politically unstable regions.
