Turkiye's new floating gas platform set to boost energy independence

By News Centre

The floating gas operating platform, which will join Turkiye's "energy fleet" as the 7th ship, will set sail from Singapore. The platform, whose final touches are being completed at a shipyard in Singapore, is expected to head towards Turkiye within a few days. This platform, projected to produce enough natural gas for 5 million households once operational, is planned to serve in the Black Sea for 15-20 years.

The new ship announced by President Tayyip Erdo?an for natural gas production will depart from Singapore to Turkiye. The floating gas operating platform, currently undergoing final adjustments at a shipyard in Singapore, is being tailored to meet Turkiye's specific needs. The ship is anticipated to arrive in Turkiye approximately two months later. The platform is scheduled to commence operations in 2025. Once operational, it will produce enough natural gas for 5 million households and will operate as a base in the Black Sea for 15-20 years.

The platform, 300 metres long and 58 metres wide, will process raw gas extracted from the Black Sea on-site, which will then be transported to shore via pipelines. Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) aims to expedite production by delivering Black Sea natural gas swiftly to the network using its new floating gas operating platform. Originally purchased from Brazil, the platform is currently undergoing revisions in Singapore to suit Turkiye's natural gas production needs. With this floating platform, raw gas extracted from the depths of the Black Sea will be processed at sea and transported ashore through new pipelines.

As the platform begins operations, it will also provide living quarters for technical personnel working aboard. Expert teams from abroad will join the platform's operational phase and will provide training to Turkish teams. The platform is slated to commence active service starting in 2025.

Turkiye, steadily advancing towards energy independence, currently operates 4 drilling ships and 2 seismic research ships in its territorial waters. Its energy fleet, established for seismic and drilling activities in natural gas and oil exploration at sea, includes a total of 6 ships: Fatih, Yavuz, Kanuni, and Abdülhamid Han drilling ships, as well as Barbaros Hayrettin Pa?a and MTA Oruç Reis seismic exploration ships. With the addition of the new platform to its fleet, Turkiye will occupy a significant position in global natural gas extraction, processing, and commercialization. It will be the sixth country globally to possess such a platform, following the USA, Russia, Brazil, Norway, and Malaysia.