Türkiye’s first seismic research vessel, Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa, has resumed operations in the Black Sea. The vessel has turned toward the Eastern Black Sea, where it will conduct seabed surveys in an area stretching from Trabzon to Rize. Fishermen have been warned to maintain a distance of at least six nautical miles from the vessel during the operations, which will involve six cables, each approximately 8.7 kilometers long.
Operating as part of a project conducted by the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa shifted its course to the Eastern Black Sea following its activities in the Western Black Sea. The vessel docked at Trabzon Port on September 24 for resupply, maintenance and repairs. After completing preparations, it left the port and began operations off the coast of Trabzon.
The vessel is conducting seismic surveys to examine the geological structure of the seabed and collect seismic data concerning the region’s oil and natural gas potential. The operations are planned to continue in the Black Sea offshore between Tirebolu and Rize from October 2026 through June 2027. During the seismic surveys, six separate cables, each approximately 8.7 kilometers long, will be towed from the stern of Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa.
The equipment will extend across a total width of approximately 600 meters, making it impossible for the vessel to make sudden maneuvers or come to an immediate stop. Fishing vessels have therefore been asked to keep away from the research vessel and the equipment being towed behind it. Fishermen have specifically been warned to maintain a distance of at least six nautical miles from Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa when passing the vessel from any direction.
Fishing activities and the deployment of nets have also been discouraged in areas close to the survey zone. Ahmet Mutlu, Chairman of the Eastern Black Sea Fishing Cooperatives Union, said on September 25 that the coordinates of the area where the seismic surveys would be conducted had been shared with fishermen operating in the region. The coordinates were provided and information was shared on September 25.
The work will be carried out between Tirebolu and Hopa,” Mutlu said. He noted that the area between Tirebolu and Hopa is currently one of the regions with intensive fishing activity. If the work is conducted 70-80 miles offshore, it will not cause any harm to fishermen,” Mutlu said.
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