Turkey to Launch New Energy Drilling Operations Off Northern Cyprus and Libya

Turkey is set to expand its energy exploration operations to the waters off the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) and Libya, according to a top official from Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO). The move marks the latest phase in Ankara’s campaign to reduce energy dependency and secure natural gas and oil resources in contested maritime zones.

TPAO official confirms KKTC and Libya offshore activities imminent

Speaking at an energy summit in Bursa on Tuesday, Muhammet Fatih Ayyıldız, TPAO’s head of research and development, told Anadolu Agency that offshore drilling near Northern Cyprus will begin soon under the direction of Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry.

“We are planning to start activities soon in the KKTC and off the coast of Libya,” Ayyıldız said.

He emphasized that the efforts are part of a broader strategy to minimize Turkey’s reliance on imported energy, a longstanding economic vulnerability for the country.

Ankara’s plans likely to escalate tensions with EU and Republic of Cyprus

The announcement is likely to provoke strong responses from the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union, both of which have previously condemned Turkey’s energy exploration in disputed Eastern Mediterranean waters.

Cyprus, an EU member state, claims exclusive economic rights over surrounding maritime zones, which Turkey does not recognize due to its support for the Turkish Cypriot administration in Northern Cyprus.

Ankara argues that Turkish Cypriots have equal rights to the island’s natural gas reserves, and that excluding them from energy development violates their sovereignty.

Turkey’s fleet of exploration vessels expands abroad

Ayyıldız noted that Turkey now operates four drilling ships and two seismic vessels, including:

• Oruç Reis, currently conducting deep-sea surveys off the coast of Somalia,

• Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa, active in the Black Sea.

Turkey pursues strategic energy partnerships across the globe

Turkey has recently signed energy cooperation agreements with Somalia and Pakistan, and is currently engaged in exploration efforts in Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Russia, Ayyıldız said.

He also revealed that discussions are underway with several African nations to expand Turkey’s offshore energy exploration footprint further.