Milestone in Turkish Offshore Energy Exploration
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey has completed a key phase in its first-ever overseas deep sea exploration project. The Çağrı Bey Drilling Vessel has reached Somalia after a 53-day voyage, marking the beginning of an important offshore operation for Turkey.
Official Reception and Operational Timeline
Welcome Ceremony in Mogadishu
A welcoming ceremony for Çağrı Bey will be held at Mogadishu Port, with notable attendees including Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dahir Shire Mohamed, and Minister of Ports and Marine Transport Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur.
Journey to the CURAD-1 Well
Following the ceremony, the vessel will proceed towards the CURAD-1 well site, located 372 kilometers off the coast of Mogadishu. The transit to the well location is expected to take 1-2 days.
Testing, Drilling and Technological Capabilities
Site Preparation and Testing
Upon arrival, Çağrı Bey will position itself before conducting a series of preliminary tests related to the drilling process.
Record-Breaking Deepwater Well
After testing, the vessel will begin drilling at a water depth of 3,495 meters, aiming to reach a total depth of 7,500 meters from the sea surface. The CURAD-1 well is set to become the second deepest offshore well globally. The overall drilling operation is projected to last 288 days.
Advanced Subsea Robotics
The operation will utilize a remotely operated underwater vehicle capable of diving to 4,000 meters. Such depth is rarely reached by underwater robots in similar missions, underscoring the advanced technology involved in the project.
About the Çağrı Bey Vessel
Constructed in South Korea and added to Turkey’s energy fleet in 2024, Çağrı Bey is a seventh-generation ultra-deepwater drilling ship. The vessel measures 228 meters in length, 114 meters in height, and 42 meters in width. It is equipped with a helipad and can accommodate up to 200 personnel, with drilling capabilities reaching depths of up to 12,000 meters.
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