Türkiye’s latest and most advanced drilling ship, Abdülhamid Han, is preparing to embark on its mission in the Mediterranean after departing from the southern port of Mersin on Tuesday.

Abdullahamid Han is Türkiye’s 4th drilling vessel after the Yavuz, Fatih and Kanuni drilling ships.

A ceremonial ship launch will be held on Tuesday with the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Operated by the state energy company Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), the ship can operate at a maximum depth of 3,665 meters (12,024 feet).

The vessel is 238 meters long and 42 meters wide and weighs 68,000 gross tons with a maximum drilling depth of 12,200 meters. It has a tower height of 104 meters and a crew capacity of 200.

The newest addition to Türkiye’s drilling fleet which will strengthen its hand in the Blue Homeland is expected to carry out hydrocarbon exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean.