Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that Türkiye aims to increase its natural gas production to over 9 million cubic meters per day by the first quarter of 2025.
During a visit to the Fatih drilling ship anchored at Filyos Port, Bayraktar emphasized the importance of Türkiye’s ongoing energy projects and highlighted the strategic role of the Black Sea gas fields.
Fatih drilling ship to embark on new mission
Bayraktar stated that the Fatih drilling ship, Türkiye’s first deep-sea drilling vessel, is set to depart for a new mission in early 2025 following its scheduled maintenance and certification procedures.
“The Fatih ship has completed its periodic maintenance, and starting tomorrow, it will move to a new exploration site southwest of the Sakarya Gas Field, near the Türkiye-Bulgaria exclusive economic zone,” Bayraktar said.
He added that Türkiye’s other drilling vessels—Yavuz, Kanuni, and Abdulhamid Han—are actively working in the Sakarya Gas Field to ramp up production capacity.
Significant milestones in domestic energy production
Bayraktar highlighted Türkiye’s rapid progress in domestic natural gas production, noting that gas extracted from the Sakarya Gas Field is currently supplying approximately 3 million households across the country.
“Our goal is to increase daily production from the current 7 million cubic meters to over 9 million cubic meters in the first quarter of 2025,” Bayraktar said.
He also reiterated Türkiye’s long-term vision for energy independence, emphasizing the importance of sustained exploration and production activities in the Black Sea region.
Oruc Reis continues operations off Somalia
Bayraktar provided updates on the Oruc Reis seismic research vessel, currently conducting exploration activities off the coast of Somalia. He underscored the vessel’s role in Türkiye’s broader strategy to secure energy resources through international cooperation.
“The Oruc Reis is actively contributing to our energy security efforts in Somali waters. These activities are part of Türkiye’s larger strategy for energy independence,” he said.
Floating terminal set to arrive in May 2025
Bayraktar also announced plans for a floating natural gas terminal currently stationed in Canakkale to relocate to Filyos Port in May 2025.
The facility will support ongoing production and distribution operations in the Sakarya Gas Field. “The floating terminal will be fully operational by mid-2026, marking another step forward in Türkiye’s long-term energy goals,” Bayraktar added.
Strategic vision for 2025 and beyond
Concluding his remarks, Bayraktar emphasized that Türkiye remains committed to enhancing energy security and reducing dependency on external resources through continued investment in exploration and infrastructure projects.
“2025 will be a crucial year for Türkiye’s energy sector. We aim to not only increase production but also to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience in our energy strategy,” he stated.
