A G2G contract for the purchase of Hydrographic and Oceanographic Survey Ship 'HMS Enterprise' was  signed between Bangladesh and the UK at the Bangladesh Navy headquarters today. Photo: ISPR

DHAKA, Feb 8, 2026 (BSS) - A Government-to-Government (G2G) contract for the 
purchase of Hydrographic and Oceanographic Survey Ship 'HMS Enterprise' was 
signed between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK) at the Bangladesh Navy 
headquarters here today.

Assistant Chief of the Bangladesh Navy Rear Admiral Md Shafiqur Rahman and 
United Kingdom's (UK's) Defence Ministry's Commercial Officer Ms. Nanise 
Qalobulawasaikabara signed the contract on behalf of their respective sides, 
said a release of Inter Services of Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this 
evening.

Chief of the Navy Staff of Bangladesh Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan was present at 
the contract signing ceremony.
 
Besides, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Bangladesh, UK's 
Military Adviser, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, 
Joint Secretaries of various ministries, and senior officials of the Armed 
Forces Division and the Navy were present at the event.

The signing of this agreement has been possible in the context of continuous 
and fruitful initiatives of both countries since 2025, the ISPR said.

"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 has a helicopter landing deck and modern communication facilities. 
It will play a very important role in implementing the new survey standards 
formulated by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to ensure 
safe navigation and in developing the blue economy, it mentioned.

The ship will greatly increase the hydrographic capabilities of the 
Bangladesh Navy by joining it and will be helpful in the marine research 
activities of students studying at Bangladesh Maritime University, Bangladesh 
Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) and various universities.

Besides, by deploying it in the deep sea, it will be possible to prevent 
illegal intrusion, smuggling and piracy, rescue operations at sea and ensure 
effective surveillance in fisheries and oil and gas blocks.

Earlier, the ship first started its journey under the Royal Navy of the 
United Kingdom in 2002. Later, the United Kingdom Navy decommissioned the 
ship in 2023.

The ship is expected to complete its Re-Generation by 2026 and join the 
Bangladesh Navy fleet in 2027.