Speaking at the opening of the eighth general assembly of the Turkish Association of Distribution System Operators (ELDER) in Ankara, Albayrak explained that the 3-D seismic exploration studies would be conducted with two different vessels, the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa and another that Turkish officials will soon announce.

Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa explored oil and natural gas resources two years ago off the coast of Cyprus, but its activities were interrupted in March 2015 when tensions rose between the Greek Cypriot administration and the Turkish Cypriot government over ownership of the resources.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has since stated that the resources of the island belong to both communities.

"This will be an important year for sea exploration, oil and gas exploration. We will continue with two different vessels, one will explore the Black Sea and the other will explore the Mediterranean Sea. This year will be a more active year for us," Albayrak noted.

Turkey will not only conduct seismic studies, but will also start exploration studies and well drilling in the Mediterranean in the next five to 10 years, Albayrak said, adding that exploration in the Mediterranean, as a strategic part of Turkey, will allow the region to increase its presence in the global exploration industry.   

"The more you search, the more you have the chance to find it. So we will search more. As I said, this will be an active year in the Mediterranean," he underlined.