The Abdülhamid Han Drilling Ship is of critical importance in Turkey's offshore energy exploration activities and is the fourth vessel in the country's drilling fleet. With its technical equipment and physical features, the Abdülhamid Han stands out as the fleet's most powerful ship and symbolizes Turkey's technological breakthrough in hydrocarbon exploration. Equipped with 7th generation technology, this ship is one of the few drilling vessels worldwide with similar capabilities and plays a significant role in enhancing Turkey's contribution to energy independence.

^{Abdülhamid Han Drilling Ship}

General Features of the Abdülhamid Han Drilling Ship

• Length: 238 meters
• Width: 42 meters
• Weight: 62,000 gross tons
• Tower Height: 104 meters
• Technology: 7th generation technology
• Crew Capacity: 200 people
• Drilling Depth: 12,200 meters
• Positioning System: Active positioning system
• Helipad: Yes
• Safety System: Dual safety system
• Operational Area: Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean
• First Mission Location: Yörükler-1 well, Eastern Mediterranean
• Construction Location: South Korea, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Okpo Shipyard

Drilling Capacity and Depth

The Abdülhamid Han has the ability to drill up to a depth of 12,200 meters. This capability provides a critical advantage, enabling the ship to be used in deep-sea hydrocarbon exploration and discovery activities. This depth allows the vessel to reach the seabed and explore potential energy resources from deeper points. This capacity makes the ship not only one of Turkey's most advanced, but also one of the leading drilling vessels in the world.

Construction Process and Ownership

The ship was ordered in 2013 by the American drilling company Vantage Drilling and was constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering at the Okpo Shipyard in South Korea. Initially known as the "Cobalt Explorer," the ship changed ownership several times. In 2019, it was purchased by Northern Drilling, but the contract was later canceled. Ultimately, in November 2021, the ship was bought by Turkey's Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) for 180 million U.S. dollars and became part of Turkey's drilling fleet.

Technological Equipment and Positioning System

The Abdülhamid Han is equipped with advanced positioning technology. Its dual-tower structure and active positioning system keep the ship stable on the sea surface, allowing drilling operations to be carried out with maximum efficiency. This system ensures that the ship remains in the correct position even in rough sea conditions, enabling uninterrupted drilling. Additionally, the ship is equipped with a helipad and modern living spaces, enhancing its operational efficiency.

Crew Capacity and Other Features

The Abdülhamid Han has a crew capacity of 200 people, providing enough personnel for highly efficient operations. With a helipad, advanced living spaces, and modern engineering equipment, the ship offers a comfortable working environment for the crew during long-term missions. Moreover, the ship is equipped with high security measures, utilizing a dual security system to ensure operational continuity.

Mission and Operational Areas

The Abdülhamid Han is primarily used for hydrocarbon exploration activities in Turkey's Mavi Vatan region, including the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. The ship plays a critical role in drilling operations aimed at strengthening Turkey's energy independence. Joining Turkey's drilling fleet in 2022, the Abdülhamid Han began its first mission at the Yörükler-1 well. It will contribute to hydrocarbon exploration at this well and other potential sites. The ship is particularly important for the discovery of hydrocarbon resources in Turkey's Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.

Role in Turkey's Energy Strategy

The Abdülhamid Han Drilling Ship marks a significant step in Turkey's strategy to explore and extract offshore energy resources. According to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statements, the ship has become a symbol of Turkey's vision for hydrocarbon exploration. The Abdülhamid Han is utilized as an important tool to achieve Turkey's national energy goals, while also making a significant contribution to reducing the country's dependence on external energy sources.