Echo Class Multi-Role Hydrographic and Oceanographic Survey Vessel (SVHO)

Reading Time: 3 minutes (HMS Enterprise – H88)Status: Acquired by Bangladesh Navy (2025)Origin: United Kingdom – formerly Royal Navy Overview The Echo-class hydrographic survey vessels are purpose-built multi-role platforms, combining hydrographic and oceanographic survey functions with limited command and control capabilities. HMS Enterprise (H88), the second and final ship of the class, was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2003 and operated until 2023. It is now being transferred to the Bangladesh Navy to serve as its principal hydrographic vessel, expanding national maritime domain awareness and seabed mapping capabilities. General Characteristics ParameterSpecificationClass & TypeEcho-class hydrographic survey shipBuilderAppledore Shipbuilders, Babcock MarineLaunched27 May 2002Commissioned17 October 2003Displacement3,740 tonnes (full load)Length90.6 mBeam16.8 mDraught5.5 mPropulsionDiesel-electric: 3 × Wärtsilä diesels driving 2 × steerable azimuth thrusters and 1 × bow thrusterPower Output3 × 1,600 kW generators; 2 × 1.7 MW thrustersSpeed15 knots (max), 12 knots (cruising)Range~9,300 nautical miles @ 12 knotsEndurance35 daysCrew Complement~72 (up to 81