Türkiye is stepping up its hydrocarbon exploration with 55 drilling rigs, including three domestically built towers, as part of efforts to expand local production and achieve energy independence.
The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry said the country has been rapidly adding new technologies to its inventory to maximize the use of local energy resources and strengthen its energy independence strategy.
- Gabar field at center of push
In May 2021, drilling efforts in the Gabar Mountain, in the southeastern city of Sirnak, led to the discovery of 36 API gravity crude at the Sehit Esma Cevik-1 well.
Production began in late 2022, and subsequent discoveries at the Sehit Aybuke Yalcin field reached 41 API gravity by April 2023.
The Gabar field has since become Türkiye's most productive site, generating an estimated $2.3 billion annually while reducing crude imports.
In an effort to increase production adn reduce foreign dependence, Türkiye is boosting its use of homegrown drilling technology. The domestically developed "Koca Yusuf TP1500" rig began operations in Gabar in April 2024.
- Locally built rigs expand capacity
Two new locally manufactured towers, "Seyit Onbasi" and "Naim Suleymanoglu", were added to the fleet on Aug. 27, 2025.
The Seyit Onbası rig is operating in the Atak-3 well in Sirnak's Silopi district, while the Naim Suleymanoglu rig is drilling at the Sehit Aybuke Yalcin-71 well in Gabar.
Both towers, each with a height of 43.2 meters and a hook load capacity of 357 tons, are capable of drilling up to 5,000 meters. They operate with national drilling software, the ministry said.
Türkiye's daily oil consumption is about 1 million barrels. Officials say rising domestic production, supported by local technology, will continue to reduce the country's reliance on imported energy.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr