Abdulhamid-Han Vessel Reviews and Specifications

Turkey has once again ventured into the eastern Mediterranean with the deployment of its drill ship, the 'Abdülhamid Han'. Launched from Mersin on August 9, 2022, the ship initially set its course towards the Iskenderun region. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized during a departure ceremony that the ship will persist in its exploratory mission until it uncovers potential resources. The deployment of Turkish drilling vessels to contested waters in the Mediterranean had previously escalated tensions between Turkey and Greece in 2020, nearly leading to military confrontations. Greece has accused Turkey of unlawfully probing for resources in disputed areas, while Ankara maintains its stance that these waters fall within the Turkish continental shelf.