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Two new 7th-generation deep-sea drilling ships joining Türkiye's energy fleet will be operational in early 2026, with the first vessel ready in January and the second in February, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on Thursday.
The twin drilling ships, measuring 228 meters in length and 42 meters in width, will elevate Türkiye to fourth place globally among the world's most modern energy fleets, according to ministry statements.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also revealed the fleet expansion during a cabinet meeting address on Thursday, stating that Türkiye's deep-sea drilling ship count will increase from four to six vessels.
"We are increasing the number of our deep-sea drilling ships from 4 to 6," Erdogan said. "With the participation of new ships, we will rise to 4th place in the world as a deep-sea fleet."
The vessels—each 228 meters long and 42 meters wide—are capable of drilling to depths of 12,000 meters. Built in South Korea and delivered to Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), the ships include helipads and living space for up to 200 personnel.
Classified as seventh-generation drillships, they underwent extensive inspections before acquisition, including assessments of drill floors, engine rooms, bridge systems, subsea operations, and functionality.
The ministry noted that selection criteria included time efficiency, operational flexibility, and cost effectiveness. Each ship is expected to operate continuously until 2029.
With the addition of the two vessels, Türkiye will join the world’s top four most advanced offshore energy fleets. The country already possessed the fifth-largest energy fleet prior to this acquisition.
The fleet currently includes four active deep-sea drilling ships—Fatih, Yavuz, Kanuni, and Abdulhamid Han—all conducting operations in the Sakarya Gas Field in the Black Sea.
Türkiye's two seismic research ships, Oruc Reis and Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa, also support exploration activities.
The fleet is complemented by 11 support vessels, one construction ship, and one floating production unit.
In a post on the social media platform X, Minister Bayraktar emphasized the qualitative leap in Türkiye's energy ambitions.
"Our fleet is expanding, and our strength in the Blue Homeland is growing," he wrote, adding: "These twin, high-tech deep-sea drilling vessels will strengthen our presence in offshore operations and expand our exploration and production capacity in the Black Sea and beyond."
"With these additions, Türkiye is now among the top four most modern energy fleets globally—not just in numbers, but in technology, capability, and operational efficiency. We are progressing with determination toward our goal of full energy independence," he concluded.
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