Turkey's Oruç Reis vessel embarks on a crucial oil and gas exploration mission off Pakistan's coast, arriving by November 20, 2026.
Turkey's Oruç Reis seismic research vessel has set sail to participate in oil and natural gas exploration activities off the coast of Pakistan. The vessel is expected to arrive at Karachi Port between November 17-20, 2026. Pakistan is preparing to restart offshore hydrocarbon explorations after nearly 20 years, thanks to the cooperation it has developed with Turkey.
Turkey's energy exploration activities at sea are being extended to a new geography. The Oruç Reis seismic research vessel, which is part of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), has moved to the region for oil and natural gas exploration activities to be conducted along Pakistan's Arabian Sea coast.
During a meeting with international press representatives in Istanbul on November 6, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that Turkey aims to expand its energy exploration activities abroad and announced that the Oruç Reis is en route to the waters off Pakistan.
On the same day, the Pakistan Ministry of Petroleum announced that the vessel is expected to reach Karachi between November 17-20.
A New Exploration Era in Pakistan After 20 Years
Pakistan aims to revitalize its limited offshore oil and natural gas exploration activities, which have been stagnant for nearly twenty years, through the energy cooperation it has developed with Turkey.
The arrival of the Oruç Reis in Pakistan will constitute one of the significant stages of the country's new research program aimed at determining its hydrocarbon potential at sea.
According to information reported in the Pakistani press, the research is planned to be conducted in the offshore exploration area known as the Eastern Offshore Indus Block in the Arabian Sea.
Seismic studies will investigate the geological structure beneath the seabed, and data will be obtained regarding areas that may have the potential for oil and natural gas.
High-Level Preparatory Meeting in Pakistan
A meeting chaired by Pakistan's Minister of Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik was held in Islamabad on November 6 to evaluate the preparations for welcoming the Turkish research vessel and initiating operations.
The meeting included the project manager from Turkish Petroleum Offshore Company (TPOC) as well as representatives from Pakistan's ministries of petroleum, maritime affairs, defense, interior, and foreign affairs.
The Pakistan National Hydrographic Office, port and maritime authorities, and leading energy companies in the country were also involved in the preparation process.
Discussions focused on the vessel's arrival at the port, maritime safety, logistical support, operational coordination, and cooperation among relevant institutions.
Minister Malik described the arrival of the Oruç Reis as a significant turning point in Turkey-Pakistan relations and expressed his desire to personally welcome the vessel in Karachi.
Expanding International Missions of the Turkish Energy Fleet
The mission of the Oruç Reis in Pakistan represents a new step in Turkey's strategy to expand its hydrocarbon exploration activities abroad in recent years.
Minister Bayraktar stated that TPAO plans to increase its international activities through partnerships with international oil companies, company acquisitions, and new exploration agreements.
He reminded that Turkey continues drilling operations off the coast of Somalia and has acquired two exploration areas in Libya, one offshore and one onshore, emphasizing that Pakistan is also one of the new areas of activity.
Minister Bayraktar indicated that new projects could be evaluated off the coasts of Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon if geological and economic conditions are favorable.
Seismic Research to Be Conducted in the First Phase
The mission of the Oruç Reis in Pakistan will not involve direct oil production or drilling activities but will focus on investigating the geological structures beneath the seabed using seismic methods.
The data collected will serve as a basis for identifying potential hydrocarbon reserves and evaluating areas for future drilling.
Whether commercially viable oil or natural gas reserves are found will be determined through subsequent technical examinations and possible drilling activities.
With the arrival of the Oruç Reis in Karachi in the second half of November, a new era of maritime research in Turkey-Pakistan energy cooperation is expected to begin.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
