Bangladesh, UK sign survey vessel purchase agreement for Navy

At the Bangladesh Navy headquarters here today, the United Kingdom (UK) and Bangladesh inked a Government-to-Government (G2G) contract for the purchase of the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Survey Ship “HMS Enterprise.”

Rear Admiral Md. Shafiqur Rahman, the assistant chief of the Bangladesh Navy, and Ms. Nanise Qalobulawasaikabara, the commercial officer for the UK’s Defence Ministry, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective countries, according to a statement released this evening by the Inter Services of Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate.

Head of Bangladesh’s Navy Staff Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan attended the signing of the contract.
 
In addition, senior representatives from the Armed Forces Division and the Navy attended the ceremony, along with the UK’s Military Advisor, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Bangladesh, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and joint secretaries from other ministries.

According to the ISPR, the signing of this agreement was made possible by the ongoing and successful efforts of both nations since 2025.

“HMS Enterprise” is a modern hydrographic survey ship of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. It is very effective in deep sea surveys, seabed mapping, physical oceanographic data collection and navigational chart preparation. 

The ship contains contemporary communication facilities and a landing deck for helicopters.
It stated that it will be crucial to the development of the blue economy and the implementation of the new survey criteria created by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to guarantee safe passage.

By joining the Bangladesh Navy, the ship would significantly improve its hydrographic skills and support students’ marine research projects at Bangladesh Maritime University. several universities and the Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI).

Additionally, by deploying it in the deep sea, it will be possible to guarantee efficient surveillance in fisheries and oil and gas blocks, combat piracy and unlawful incursion, and conduct rescue operations at sea.

Prior to this, in 2002, the ship began its voyage with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy. The ship was later decommissioned by the UK Navy in 2023.

The ship is anticipated to enter the Bangladesh Navy fleet in 2027 after completing its Re-Generation by 2026.