UK Docks Marine Services has begun regeneration work on the former Royal Navy vessel HMS Enterprise in the wake of its recent journey from Portsmouth Harbour to dry dock on Teesside.
The vessel was a multi-role hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel that served the Royal Navy with distinction for 20 years.
After being decommissioned in 2023, the ship was sold to the Bangladesh Navy in early 2026 to boost the Asian country’s maritime security, charting capabilities, and oceanographic research.
And a key part of the acquisition was appointing UK Docks not only to service and maintain the vessel once she enters service with the Bangladesh Navy, but also to carry out the alterations and regenerative work that would make her fit for her new role.
As a first step in that process, the ex-HMS Enterprise was moved from the Portsmouth Harbour berth, where it had spent several years, on a journey through the English Channel and North Sea before finally accessing dry dock on Teesside.
The trip and docking went smoothly, and the work has now begun, a complete technical overhaul of the vessel in what is a landmark moment for UK Docks - the first time it has secured a major contract with a navy other than the Royal Navy.
UK Docks managing director, Jonathan Wilson, said: “The fact that this is a capital project for the Bangladesh Government and signed by the equivalent of the first and second Sea Lords of the British Admiralty, shows its importance to Bangladesh and significance to us.“Without doubt, it’s one of the biggest moments in UK Docks’ history, stretching back over 30 years of increasing growth.”
UK Docks’ task will be aided by the fact that the company has previously serviced and maintained HMS Enterprise and her sister ship, HMS Echo, whilst they were in service with the Royal Navy.
Three permanent staff dedicated to programme oversight will be employed by UK Docks, working with three major original equipment manufacturers in Norway.
In addition, there will be 20 new, fixed-term contracts for specialists drawn from across the ship repair and maritime engineering sectors.
This combined approach will ensure both capability and capacity to deliver the regeneration programme to the highest operational and strategic standards.
Jonathan added: “We were among a number of contractors tendering for the work, and I think the fact that we had worked on the vessel over many years and had an excellent track record on it certainly went in our favour.”
Work is commencing on a wide range of upgrades and system refurbishments, including overhauling key propulsion and mechanical systems, modernising hydrographic and oceanographic equipment and restoring onboard data‑collection and sonar capabilities.
The work will support the preparation of the vessel for integration into Bangladesh’s “Forces Goal 2030” modernisation plan
The project brings significant economic and skills benefits to Teesside and the wider North East, strengthening the region’s reputation as a centre of excellence for ship repair, refit and marine engineering.
It also demonstrates the confidence that international partners place in UK Docks for high‑quality, specialist maritime support.
As the regeneration progresses, the vessel will be prepared for her new operational profile in the Bay of Bengal, where she will support maritime security, hydrographic research and environmental monitoring.