Turkish seismic vessel to reach Karachi in mid Nov for offshore oil, gas exploration

ISLAMABAD: A Turkish seismic research vessel is expected to arrive in Karachi between November 17 and 20 to begin offshore oil and gas exploration, the Petroleum Division said on Friday, marking Pakistan's first major push to revive offshore exploration activities in two decades. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review arrangements for the arrival of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation's (TPAO) seismic vessel, according to a statement issued by the division. The meeting reviewed security, maritime and operational arrangements for the vessel's arrival and the planned offshore exploration activities. 'Its arrival will revive Pakistan's offshore exploration efforts after 20 years, marking a new milestone in Pakistan-Türkiye energy cooperation,' the Petroleum Division said in a statement on X. Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik chaired a meeting to review arrangements for the arrival of 🇹🇷 TPOC seismic vessel in Karachi between Nov 17-20. Its arrival will revive Pak's offshore exploration efforts after 20 years,marking a new milestone in Pak-Türkiye energy cooperation pic.twitter.com/abSGsIOMHi — Petroleum Division, Ministry of Energy (@Official_PetDiv) November 6, 2026 Malik said he would personally welcome the vessel upon its arrival in Karachi, describing the development as an important milestone in Pakistan-Türkiye friendship following the signing of the Makkah Agreement. He said Pakistan would extend full support to Türkiye in the offshore oil and gas exploration project, adding that the initiative would contribute to the country's energy security and strengthen bilateral cooperation. 'Pakistan and Türkiye will jointly achieve a historic success that will be remembered for generations,' the minister said. The meeting directed all relevant departments and institutions to maintain close coordination to ensure the vessel's arrival and the smooth conduct of offshore operations. Also Read : Turkish Petroleum to soon begin offshore drilling in Pakistan: petroleum minister Separately, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed that the country's seismic research vessel Oruç Reis was heading towards waters off Pakistan. Speaking at a meeting with representatives of international press organisations and foreign-language media outlets at Energy Markets Operations Inc in Istanbul, Bayraktar said Türkiye aimed to expand the overseas operations of TPAO. Recalling that Türkiye had signed several cooperation agreements with international oil companies, he said its growth strategy envisaged expanding TPAO's overseas presence through mergers and acquisitions or partnerships with major oil companies. 'That is why we are drilling off the coast of Somalia. We have work underway concerning Pakistan. Our seismic research vessel Oruç Reis is currently heading towards waters off Pakistan,' he said. Pakistan formally reopened its offshore oil and gas exploration sector in May this year after nearly two decades, with the government signing production-sharing agreements and exploration licences for offshore blocks awarded under the Offshore Bid Round 2025. With additional input from Web Desk.