By News Agency

Continuing its efforts to reduce foreign energy dependency and
increase domestic production, Turkey has added two new drilling
vessels to its fleet. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) has
expanded its fleet with the purchase of two twin,
seventh-generation, ultra-deepwater drilling vessels. This brings
Turkey’s deepwater drilling fleet to six, making it one of the most
modern in the world. While the names of the purchased vessels have
not yet been determined, the two vessels, which served in the
Norwegian fleet as West Draco (2014) and West Dorado (2015), are
now included in TPAO’s inventory.

The vessels, each costing $245 million, are 228 meters long, 42
meters wide, and have a deadweight ton capacity of 59,200.
Classified as 7th-generation and capable of drilling up to 12,192
meters, these vessels were redesigned in South Korea in 2024.

Each ship has a crew capacity of 200, a helipad, and has
completed extensive maintenance, enabling continuous operation
until 2029.

TPAO’s assessment process included a detailed examination of
drilling tables, engine rooms, bridge equipment, and underwater
systems. A rigorous analysis was also conducted based on criteria
such as time savings, operational flexibility, and cost
advantages.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar
stated on social media, “With these new reinforcements, Turkey is
taking its place among the world’s top four most modern energy
fleets. Our fleet has now reached a world-class level not only in
numbers but also in terms of technology, capacity, and operational
efficiency.” Bayraktar emphasized that the new vessels will expand
exploration and production capacity in the Black Sea and
beyond.

The first of the newly acquired vessels will be brought to
Türkiye in approximately two months. Following accreditation and
certification processes, the first vessel will be ready for
commissioning in January, and the second in February. One vessel is
planned to operate off the coast of Libya, while the other will
participate in drilling operations in the Mediterranean off the
coast of Taşucu, Mersin.

In addition to TPAO’s 6th-generation Fatih, Yavuz, and Kanuni,
and 7th-generation Abdülhamid Han vessels, which are actively
operating in the Sakarya Gas Field in the Black Sea, the Oruç Reis
and Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa are also active in seismic research.
The fleet also includes 11 support vessels, a construction vessel,
and a floating production platform.