Turkish seismic vessel to reach Karachi Nov 17-20 for offshore survey
A Turkish seismic research vessel is expected in Karachi between November 17 and 20, the Petroleum Division said. It would mark Pakistan's first major push to restart offshore exploration in about two decades.
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- Turkish seismic vessel expected in Karachi between November 17 and 20, says Petroleum Division
- First major effort to restart offshore exploration in two decades
- Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik chaired a review meeting in Islamabad
A Turkish seismic research vessel is expected to reach Karachi between November 17 and 20 to begin offshore oil and gas exploration, according to the Petroleum Division. The division announced the plan on Friday.
The Express Tribune reported that the arrival would be Pakistan's first major effort to restart offshore exploration in two decades. Daily Pakistan and TechJuice described the vessel as a seismic survey ship belonging to the Turkish Petroleum company.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad on arrangements for the vessel's arrival. The meeting reviewed security, maritime and operational arrangements for the vessel and the planned offshore activities.
The meeting directed all relevant departments and institutions to coordinate closely to ensure the vessel's arrival and smooth offshore operations. Malik said he would personally welcome the vessel in Karachi, and that Pakistan would fully support Türkiye in the project. He said the initiative would contribute to Pakistan's energy security and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The Petroleum Division said: "Its arrival will revive Pakistan's offshore exploration efforts after 20 years, marking a new milestone in Pakistan-Türkiye energy cooperation." Malik said: "Pakistan and Türkiye will jointly achieve a historic success that will be remembered for generations."
Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed that the vessel, named Oruç Reis, was heading toward waters off Pakistan. He said: "We have work underway concerning Pakistan. Our seismic research vessel Oruç Reis is currently heading towards waters off Pakistan."
Bayraktar also said Türkiye aims to expand the overseas operations of TPAO through mergers, acquisitions or partnerships with major oil companies, and that Türkiye is drilling off the coast of Somalia.
Pakistan formally reopened its offshore oil and gas exploration sector in May this year after nearly two decades. The government signed production-sharing agreements and exploration licences for offshore blocks awarded under the Offshore Bid Round 2025.
Background
khabr.pk reported on 6 November that the government cut petrol to Rs352.59 per litre and high-speed diesel to Rs382.25 from that date. It also reported that Brent crude was trading between $98.29 and $99.90 a barrel.
Why it matters
The survey is part of plans to find domestic oil and gas reserves, which affect energy supply and imports. TechJuice reported that the step is meant to help explore local energy resources and reduce dependence on imported fuel. Fuel prices in Pakistan remain high, with petrol at Rs352.59 per litre from 6 November.
