Turkey continues to expand its offshore hydrocarbon exploration and drilling capacity in line with its strategic goal of reducing energy dependence. The inclusion of the 7th-generation ultra-deepwater drilling ships Yıldırım and Çağrı Bey marks a major milestone in enhancing Turkey’s maritime energy power. These two vessels further reinforce the strong infrastructure established with Fatih, Yavuz, Kanuni and Abdülhamid Han.

Over the past decade, advanced drilling and seismic research vessels added to the inventory of Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı have enabled Turkey to achieve major natural gas discoveries, particularly in the Black Sea. Following the success in the Sakarya Gas Field, domestic production targets have been steadily increased, while the operational depth and geographical reach of offshore exploration activities have expanded with the addition of new-generation vessels.

Completed in South Korea in 2024, the Yıldırım drilling ship is capable of drilling up to 12,000 meters below sea level. Equipped with a helicopter deck and accommodation for 200 personnel, the vessel departed after passing through the Istanbul Strait and is heading toward its assigned mission in the Black Sea. It is expected to begin drilling operations by the end of March. Its sister ship, Çağrı Bey, is currently completing final preparations at Taşucu Port and is set to become the first Turkish drilling ship to operate abroad, with a planned mission off the coast of Somalia.

With these two additions, Turkey’s total number of drilling ships has increased to six. When combined with its seismic research vessels, Turkey now ranks fourth worldwide in terms of offshore energy fleet size. Experts emphasize that this development not only strengthens Turkey’s ability to meet its own energy needs but also enhances its position as an active and competitive player in international energy exploration activities.