To enhance its maritime defense and safeguard a vital energy undertaking in the Black Sea, Romania is planning to acquire a Turkish-made warship, the TCG Akhisar. This Hisar-class offshore patrol vessel is described as “almost new” and is part of a broader strategy to secure the Neptune Deep gas project. The vessel’s base cost is estimated at €223 million ($260 million), according to Romanian media source HotNews.
Beyond the purchase cost, an estimated €42 million ($49 million) will be needed to upgrade and equip the ship to full combat and operational standards. The procurement is currently under review and will require formal approval by the Romanian Parliament before moving forward.
The Neptune Deep Project, spearheaded by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, is expected to substantially increase Romania’s energy output. Once operational, the initiative could make Romania the European Union’s leading natural gas producer, strengthening both national energy independence and regional energy security.
