Somalia Set for First Offshore Oil Drilling

Somalia is preparing to launch its first offshore oil drilling operation, marking a significant step in its energy sector development, BBC News reported.

The drilling will be carried out by Turkish Petroleum Corp.’s vessel Çağrı Bey, which is on its first international mission. (Photo: Dahir Shire X)

A Turkish government-owned drilling ship is expected to arrive off Somalia’s coast to begin deepwater exploration, following successful seismic surveys conducted last year.

Petroleum Minister Dahir Shire described the development as a “historic milestone,” signaling the country’s readiness to tap its offshore hydrocarbon potential.

The drilling will be carried out by Turkish Petroleum Corp.’s vessel Çağrı Bey, which is on its first international mission.

The operation will target sites identified as promising during earlier mapping efforts.

Officials say a successful discovery could help support Somalia’s economic recovery and position it as a regional energy player.

Turkey and Somalia formalized their cooperation in 2024 through a production-sharing agreement.