Somalia Says Turkey-Led Oil Exploration on Track for Completion This Year

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has said that a seismic survey aimed at identifying offshore oil reserves, conducted by a Turkish research vessel, is expected to be completed by the end of this year, setting the stage for potential drilling.

The announcement was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, where the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals provided an update on exploration progress and logistical challenges.

“The 3D Seismic Survey is progressing as planned and will be finalized before the end of 2024, allowing us to move toward the next phase of oil drilling,” the ministry said in a statement.

The Turkish survey vessel Oruc Reis arrived in Mogadishu in October last year before heading to the Galmudug coast, where it has been conducting offshore oil and gas exploration.

The ship, built in 2017, is one of Turkey’s most advanced geological research vessels.

Somalia, which has long sought to tap into its untapped natural resources, hopes that a successful oil discovery could provide a significant boost to its economy.

However, security risks and regulatory challenges remain obstacles to full-scale production.