Oruç Reis Research Vessel

Oruç Reis Seismic Research Vessel is a technologically advanced seismic research vessel developed by the Republic of Türkiye to explore oil, natural gas, and geological structures within its maritime jurisdiction areas. The vessel holds strategic importance for Türkiye’s efforts to locate energy resources in open seas and investigate its continental shelf, and is also utilized for geological and biological scientific research.

Oruç Reis Research Vessel. (Anadolu Agency)

History and Construction Process

Construction of the Oruç Reis Seismic Research Vessel began in 2012 through a collaboration between the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) and the Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, using entirely domestic capabilities. The vessel received provisional acceptance on 23 June 2017, and operational testing and training activities commenced in August 2017. It was officially commissioned into service during a ceremony held on 15 April 2019.

Technical Specifications

• Overall length: 87 metres
• Beam: 23 metres
• Draft: 8 metres
• Maximum speed: 17 knots
• Crew: 27 vessel personnel and 28 researchers
• Helicopter deck: Capable of handling aircraft up to 12 tonnes, operational day and night
• ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle): Can collect samples from depths of up to 1,500 metres with a payload capacity of 130 kg

"Former Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Berat Albayrak inspects the Oruç Reis Research Vessel." (Anadolu Agency)

Scientific and Technical Equipment

The Oruç Reis Seismic Research Vessel is equipped with advanced scientific and technical systems enabling multidisciplinary marine research. Onboard are geophysical systems capable of conducting two- and three-dimensional deep seismic, gravity, and magnetic measurements. In addition to imaging systems that enable detailed mapping of the seafloor, the vessel features specialized laboratories for geology, geophysics, hydrography, oceanography, and biology. Equipped with systems for sampling the water column and seafloor, the vessel can monitor and sample the seabed through its Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), which operates at depths of up to 1,500 metres. These capabilities allow the vessel to produce detailed images of geological structures down to depths of 15,000 metres.

Mission Areas and Activities

The Oruç Reis Seismic Research Vessel has participated in energy exploration activities in various seas including the Eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Marmara. Its primary mission areas include oil and natural gas exploration, continental shelf studies, seismic risk mapping, scientific data collection and analysis, and generation of data to define maritime jurisdiction boundaries. In fulfilling these missions, Oruç Reis serves as a strategic asset in Türkiye’s marine research efforts.

Somali Mission (2024–2025)

Under a Production Sharing Agreement signed between the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and Somalia on 24 July 2024, Oruç Reis and its support vessels departed for Somalia on 4 October 2024 and anchored at Mogadishu Port on 25 October 2024. This mission marks Türkiye’s first major seismic survey operation off the coast of Africa.

During its 234-day mission, Oruç Reis collected three-dimensional seismic data across a total area of 4,464 square kilometres in three blocks. Having successfully completed its mission, the vessel departed Mogadishu on 15 June 2025 to return to Türkiye and will enter maintenance and repair operations at Filyos Port in early July 2025. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud visited the vessel and thanked the crew.

"Oruç Reis Research Vessel prepares for its Somali mission." (Anadolu Agency)