Türkiye launches first overseas deepwater drilling with Curad-1 well offshore Somalia

(WO) — Türkiye has launched its first overseas offshore drilling campaign, deploying the ultra-deepwater drillship Çağrı Bey to drill the Curad-1 well offshore Somalia, marking a significant expansion of its upstream footprint beyond domestic waters.

The Curad-1 well is located approximately 370 km offshore Mogadishu in water depths of about 3,500 m. The well is planned to reach a total depth of roughly 7,500 m, placing it among the deepest offshore drilling operations globally, the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources reported.

The drilling target was identified following a multi-month seismic campaign conducted by Türkiye’s Oruç Reis vessel, which acquired 3D data across approximately 4,500 sq km. Interpretation of that data indicated a potentially prospective structure, prompting the decision to proceed with drilling.

The campaign represents a milestone for Türkiye, which has built out its offshore capabilities over the past decade and now operates one of the world’s larger deepwater exploration fleets. The move into Somalia signals a broader strategy to expand international exploration and production activity, particularly in frontier basins.

Officials said the project could open a new phase of development for Somalia’s offshore sector, which remains largely underexplored despite its proximity to established hydrocarbon provinces in East Africa. The well is expected to test the potential of deepwater plays in the region, with results anticipated in the coming months.

If successful, the Curad-1 well could pave the way for further drilling and investment, both from Türkiye and other international operators, as interest grows in East Africa’s offshore resource potential.

The campaign also highlights increasing competition among national oil companies and state-backed operators to secure new exploration acreage and diversify supply sources amid shifting global energy dynamics.