Türkiye’s fourth deepwater drillship, Abdulhamid Han, is preparing to begin drilling at the Turkali-33 well in the Black Sea, following the completion of operations at Goktepe-3, where it contributed to the discovery of a major natural gas reserve, sources told Anadolu.
Since entering service in August 2022, Abdulhamid Han has carried out nine drilling operations across the Mediterranean and Black Seas, playing a central role in the country’s offshore oil and gas exploration efforts.
The drillship’s first mission took place at the Yorukler-1 well in the Mediterranean, marking a key milestone in Türkiye’s drive for energy independence.
After completing its Mediterranean duties, it sailed through the Bosphorus Strait on August 2, 2024, to start work at the Goktepe-3 well in the Black Sea, completing that task on May 19, 2025.
In May, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery of 75 billion cubic meters of natural gas during operations in the Black Sea.
The discovery was made by the Abdulhamid Han at a depth of approximately 3,500 meters.
The Goktepe-3 well is located in the Goktepe Field, about 69 kilometers west of the Sakarya Gas Field and 165 kilometers offshore.
The find is expected to bolster Türkiye's energy supply security and support its ambition to become a regional energy hub.
Abdulhamid Han is now preparing to start its next drilling task at the Turkali-33 well, also within the Sakarya Gas Field.
- Energy diplomacy boosting regional influence
Türkiye's assertive energy policy continues to enhance its strategic presence in the Black Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, and East Africa.
The country is planning cooperation in oil and gas exploration with several regional partners, including Somalia, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Iraq, and Libya.
Türkiye has recently added two new rillships with deepwater capabilities to its existing fleet of four drillships, two seismic research vessels, and a floating gas production unit, to strengthen its offshore exploration and drilling capabilities.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr