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Oruc Reis Seismic Research Vessel completed its first intercontinental mission, collecting 3D seismic data in Somali waters over 234 days, according to Türkiye's Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
The Turkish-built vessel gathered data across 4,464 square kilometers in three blocks off Somalia's coast.
The ship docked at Mogadishu Port and will depart on June 15 with a ceremony planned for its return journey.
Oruc Reis will arrive at Filyos Port in early July after a 15-day voyage. The vessel will undergo maintenance and repair work before preparing for its next mission in August.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Oruc Reis and thanked the crew for completing the mission successfully.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed the vessel completed its 234-day mission successfully.
"Three-dimensional seismic data was collected in a total area of 4,464 square kilometers across three blocks," Bayraktar said. "The data obtained by Oruc Reis during this mission will guide the evaluation of Somalia's maritime jurisdiction areas in the coming period."
"Following analyses to be conducted in Ankara, drilling operations will begin at locations determined based on the results," he added.
Türkiye and Somalia signed Production Sharing Agreements on July 24, 2024, for three blocks in Somali maritime areas.
Oruc Reis and its accompanying fleet departed for Somalia on October 4. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan bid farewell to the vessel from the Dolmabahce Working Office on Oct. 5.
The vessel, escorted by naval ships, passed through the Suez Canal and anchored at Mogadishu Port on Oct. 25. It then began seismic operations in designated areas.
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