Turkish fresh ultra-deepwater drilling vessel arrives at southern port

(MENAFN) Türkiye’s latest ultra-deepwater drilling vessel has arrived at the southern port of Tasucu in Mersin province, preparing for operations in the Mediterranean, according to government announcements on Tuesday.

The first of two new ships in the nation’s drilling fleet has now joined the Mediterranean mission, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on a Turkish social media platform.

The seventh-generation ship, capable of drilling to depths of up to 12,000 meters (39,370 feet), will be actively deployed in Türkiye’s offshore operations.

"Our second drilling ship will also arrive in Türkiye by the end of the year," Bayraktar stated. "This will make Türkiye the country with the world's fourth-largest deep-sea drilling fleet." He emphasized that the arrival marks an important step toward full energy independence.

Constructed in South Korea in 2024, the vessel measures 228 meters in length and 42 meters in width and features a helipad and living quarters for 200 crew members.

Türkiye’s existing fleet already includes the drill ships Fatih, Yavuz, Kanuni, and Abdulhamid Han, which are currently operating in the Sakarya gas field in the Black Sea.

In addition, the seismic vessel Oruc Reis recently completed its first intercontinental mission in Somalia and is now preparing for a new assignment in Filyos Port, Zonguldak, while Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa continues to operate in the Black Sea. The fleet is further supported by 11 auxiliary vessels, a construction vessel, and a floating production platform.

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