Second Turkish drill ship will operate in Black Sea: minister

Reuters
FILE PHOTO: Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez is seen on board the drilling vessel Fatih off the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, Turkey October 30, 2018. REUTERS/Kaan Soyturk

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey has completed the purchase of its second drilling ship, which will operate in the Black Sea at the north of the country, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Friday. Turkey is almost completely reliant on imports to meet its energy needs. The Turkish lira's tumble against the dollar this year, as well as U.S.-imposed sanctions on Iranian oil, have placed pressure on energy companies. Turkey launched its first drilling ship "Fatih" last month, and Donmez said it would begin drilling at the Alanya-1 borehole, some distance from disputed territory with Cyprus. (Reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun; Writing by Sarah Dadouch; Editing by David Dolan)