Conversion of Decommissioned Sangu Offshore Platform into a Maritime Military Outpost

Executive Summary

This proposal outlines the strategic rationale and operational feasibility of converting the decommissioned Sangu gas platform in the Bay of Bengal into a permanent offshore maritime military outpost. The platform shall serve as an ISR hub, quick reaction forward operating base (FOB), and node in Bangladesh Navy’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) network.

Objectives

1. Enhance Bangladesh’s maritime situational awareness and sea control in the Bay of Bengal.
2. Repurpose an idle national asset into a strategic surveillance and security node.
3. Establish a persistent maritime footprint close to key shipping lanes and EEZ.
4. Enable forward deployment of small UAVs, naval infantry, and fast patrol boats.

Platform Overview

• Location: ~40 km south of Chittagong
• Type: Fixed offshore platform (decommissioned gas facility)
• Former Operator: Shell/Cairn Energy
• Proposed Name: BNS Sangu FOB (Forward Operating Base)

Strategic Rationale

• Geopolitical Assertion: Reinforces Bangladesh’s claim and presence in its maritime domain.
• Surveillance Hub: Ideal for installation of coastal radar, EO/IR, AIS, and SIGINT sensors.
• Regional Trends: Similar models observed with Vietnam’s DK1 rigs and China’s oil-rig protection fleets.

Recommended Capabilities

Capability	Systems Required
Surveillance	X-Band radar, AIS receivers, EO/IR towers, ELINT systems
Comms	SATCOM, encrypted VHF/UHF, secure data uplink
UAV Ops	Rotary UAV pad, maintenance bay, weatherproof storage
Maritime Interdiction	Small craft docking station, Defender-class boat support, helipad (optional)
Defensive Posture	QW-18G MANPADS teams, 4 x C-704 anti-ship missile launchers, anti-drone jammers, sandbag emplacements
Self-Sustainment	Solar panels, diesel generators, rainwater harvesting, desalination unit

Garrison Structure (TOE)

Sangu Naval Detachment (~30 personnel):

• 1x Officer-in-Charge (Lieutenant or Lt Cdr)
• 6x Surveillance Team (radar, UAV, AIS)
• 10x Reaction Team (Naval Infantry / SWADS)
• 4x Communications Technicians
• 5x Logistical/Support Staff (Engineer, Medical, Cook, etc.)
• Optional: 2x UAV Operator, 1x EOD Tech, 1x Radar Technician

Implementation Roadmap

Phase	Duration	Activities
I. Feasibility & Survey	2 months	Structural inspection, load assessment, risk mitigation plan
II. Retrofitting	6 months	Install comms, power, defensive systems, UAV launch pad
III. Testing & Training	2 months	System validation, personnel rotation, SOP trials
IV. Full Operational Capability	Month 11 onward	Round-the-clock deployment, regional integration into CNMS

Budget Estimate (Indicative)

• Structural Retrofitting: ৳ 25 crore BDT
• Equipment & Systems (excluding weapons and munitions): ৳ 30 crore BDT
• Personnel Training & Logistics: ৳ 5 crore BDT
• Total Estimate: ৳ 60 crore BDT (approx.)

Risks & Mitigation

Risk	Mitigation Strategy
Air/Missile Strike	Hardening, camouflage netting, MANPADS presence, C-704 anti-ship deterrence capability
Environmental Degradation	Scheduled maintenance, corrosion-resistant infrastructure
Hostile Response	Diplomatic signalling, naval deterrence posture

Conclusion

This proposal seeks to transform the dormant Sangu offshore gas platform into a strategic forward naval asset, providing cost-effective extension of Bangladesh’s maritime defence network. The project is both technically feasible and strategically timely in the face of increasing regional maritime competition.