The United Kingdom has officially sold the decommissioned Royal Navy survey ship, HMS Enterprise, to the Bangladesh Navy. Following a government-to-government agreement, the vessel will return to active service after being laid up since its decommissioning in March 2023.
The acquisition, made for an undisclosed amount, aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s maritime security and regional stability efforts.
Commissioned in 2002, the Echo-class HMS Enterprise served the Royal Navy for two decades, logging more than 500,000 miles. While its primary role was hydrographic and oceanographic surveying, the highly versatile ship frequently supported global humanitarian missions.
For Bangladesh, this acquisition is both a military and economic necessity. The vessel will provide advanced hydrographic, oceanographic, and scientific research capabilities, opening new research opportunities for the country’s universities.
More importantly, it secures critical trade routes. According to the East-West Center, the Bay of Bengal supports 90% of Bangladesh’s trade and 100% of its energy transportation.
The sale highlights an ongoing effort by the UK to deepen its strategic partnership with Bangladesh and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, noted: “The sale of this survey vessel reflects the deep trust and strong cooperation between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh. HMS Enterprise served the Royal Navy with distinction, and we are proud to see her begin a new chapter.”