What you need to know about the Çağri Bey drilling ship in Somalia

Türkiye’s offshore energy initiative in Somalia marks a major step in its international exploration strategy, building on months of prior seismic research conducted by the Oruç Reis Seismic Research Vessel.

Deployed on October 5, 2024, by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the vessel carried out extensive surveys over approximately 234 days, covering around 4,465 square kilometers across three offshore blocks.

The data gathered during this period was analyzed in detail, ultimately leading to the selection of a promising drilling site off the Somali coast.

At the center of this mission is the Çağrı Bey, the newest and most powerful addition to Türkiye’s energy fleet.

Built in 2024 in South Korea, the 7th-generation drillship measures 228 meters in length and is capable of drilling up to 12,000 meters in deep waters.

Equipped with a helipad and accommodation for 200 personnel, the vessel is designed for complex, long-duration offshore operations.

The Çağrı Bey departed Taşucu Port in Mersin on February 15, 2026, and after a 53-day journey crossing the Mediterranean, passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, traversing the Atlantic Ocean, and rounding the Cape of Good Hope, arrived at Mogadishu Port in Somalia.

Its arrival on early April, 2026, is set to be followed by an official ceremony attended by Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, along with other senior officials.

Reflecting the significance of the moment, Somali Minister of Ports and Marine Transport Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur stated, “Carrying its mission from hope-filled tomorrows, the Çağrı Bey deepwater drilling vessel has arrived today in our beloved Mogadishu. From tomorrow, we will send it off with prayers into Somali waters to explore our riches.”

Adding to this, Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dahir Shire Mohamed emphasized the broader national importance of the project; “This signals Somalia’s readiness to move into exploratory drilling, beginning with our most promising offshore prospects.

“Somalia remains firmly committed to advancing its natural resource sector in a transparent, responsible, and internationally aligned manner, ensuring that its benefits contribute meaningfully to national prosperity and the well-being of its people.”

The vessel is set to drill at the CURAD-1 well, located approximately 372 kilometers offshore from Mogadishu, marking Türkiye’s first offshore deepwater drilling operation abroad.

 The well, named after the Somali word for “eldest child,” will see the Çağrı Bey operate at a total depth of 7,500 meters (over 24,600 feet).

The operation is expected to last approximately 288 days and is anticipated to rank among the deepest offshore drilling efforts globally.

Emphasizing the ambition behind the project, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar stated; “Not everyone who seeks finds, but those who find are the ones who seek. With this belief, and under the strong leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we are now advancing toward new horizons with our vessel Çağrı Bey, following the path opened by Oruç Reis.

“We are counting down the days to begin our first deepwater drilling operation abroad in Somalia. In this determined journey, standing shoulder to shoulder with our friend and brotherly nation Somalia, we hope to achieve fruitful results.”

Prof. Burhanettin Duran the Presidency’s Head of Communications, Republic of Türkiye highlighted the broader strategic significance of the mission.

“Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye continues to take new steps to expand its reach in energy in line with its goal of full energy independence. Çağrı Bey, the newest and strongest addition to our energy fleet, has arrived in Somalia to carry out its first deepwater drilling operation abroad.

“This operation, expected to last around 288 days, marks a critical step in strengthening Türkiye’s presence on the global energy stage. I believe that the brotherhood and cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia will be further strengthened through this effort, and I hope it will make strong contributions to the economic development and prosperity of both countries.”

Supporting the operation is a comprehensive logistical and security framework. Auxiliary vessels Altan, Korkut, and Sancar will provide operational support, while approximately 500 personnel will work in rotational shifts across the drillship, support vessels, and onshore services. To ensure operational security, Turkish naval assets, including TCG Sancaktar, TCG Gökova, and TCG Bafra, will maintain a protective presence in the region.

Following the ceremony, the Çağrı Bey is expected to move to the CURAD-1 location within one to two days. Initial positioning and technical tests will be conducted before full-scale drilling begins, marking the start of a mission that is expected to play a key role in advancing Türkiye’s global energy ambitions while deepening its partnership with Somalia.