Somali Defense Minister: Oruç Reis’ Seismic Achievement a Historic Step Toward Energy Independence

Mogadishu – Somali Minister of Defense Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met on Sunday with Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktaş during a special luncheon held in honor of the crew of the Turkish research vessel Oruç Reis, which successfully completed a 234-day seismic exploration mission off the Somali coast. The event marked a key milestone in Somalia–Turkey relations.

Minister Fiqi described the success of Oruç Reis as “not merely an economic breakthrough, but a powerful affirmation of Somali sovereignty and national will.”

According to Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Oruç Reis—a seismic vessel built by Turkish engineers—completed its first intercontinental mission during this deployment. The ship had been operating in Somali offshore waters since October 25, 2024.

The vessel carried out a three-dimensional seismic survey across three distinct offshore blocks, covering a total of 4,464 square kilometers. The collected data will now be analyzed in Ankara to determine suitable locations for oil and natural gas drilling.

Minister Fiqi emphasized that the mission’s success reflects the growing capacity of Somali institutions, especially in resource management and security. He also highlighted the importance of trust and cooperation between Mogadishu and Ankara, calling the Somalia–Turkey partnership “a cornerstone of our national development.”

The completion of the Oruç Reis mission is seen as the most concrete step yet toward unlocking Somalia’s long-untapped energy potential.