A Turkish drilling ship has docked at the port of Mogadishu ahead of Somalia’s first offshore oil exploration project, marking a major milestone in energy cooperation between Turkey and Somalia.
The vessel, named Cagri Bey, arrived in Somali waters on Thursday and berthed at the capital’s port on Friday, according to officials from both countries.
Under a hydrocarbon development agreement signed in 2024, Turkey’s state-owned energy company was granted rights to explore three offshore blocks, each covering about 5,000 square kilometres.
Earlier seismic surveys conducted in late 2024 by another Turkish vessel identified potential drilling sites within the blocks.
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Describing the development as historic, Somalia’s state news agency SONNA said the operation represents the country’s first-ever offshore drilling activity. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also noted that it will mark Turkey’s first deep-sea drilling project outside its own waters.
The Cagri Bey, distinguished by a red bow featuring a white star and crescent and a drilling derrick, is expected to begin operations soon. A port worker in Mogadishu described the vessel as unprecedented in size, saying it was the largest ship ever seen at the port.
Bayraktar was scheduled to attend a formal ceremony at the Mogadishu port alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Turkey remains one of Somalia’s key military and economic partners and has maintained a strong presence in the country, including operating its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu since 2017.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
