France’s TotalEnergies has signed a preliminary agreement with Turkey’s state-owned and gas firm TPAO to explore hydrocarbon potential in the Black Sea, the company said on Monday.
The deal, initially announced last month by Turkey’s energy minister, sets out a framework for technical cooperation between the two companies.
It also opens the door for potential joint exploration projects both within Turkey’s Black Sea waters and in international markets.
The agreement reflects Ankara’s continued push to expand its domestic energy resources and reduce reliance on imports.
For TotalEnergies, the partnership provides an opportunity to strengthen its presence in a region gaining attention for untapped reserves.
The Black Sea has emerged as a strategic exploration zone following recent discoveries by Turkey, boosting investor interest.
While the current agreement is non-binding, it signals both sides’ intent to deepen collaboration in upstream energy activities.
No specific timeline for drilling or financial commitments has been disclosed at this stage.
The move underscores a broader trend of international oil majors partnering with national companies to share expertise and risk.
Further developments are expected as technical studies and feasibility assessments progress.