Bangladesh in the market for six new Offshore Patrol Vessels

An Island-class OPV of the Bangladesh Navy in maneuvers during exercises. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Bangladesh Navy (BN), through the navy-controlled shipyard Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CCDL) is in the market for six (6) offshore patrol vessels (OPV), with CCDL inviting foreign shipbuilders for a joint production program through an Expression of Interest (EOI) released on 16 January 2020.

The BN aims to induct these new OPVs to boost its capabilities and replace some of its older ships.

Based on CCDL’s statement, the OPVs will have a length of at least 85 meters, an overall beam of around 14 meters, and a hull draught not exceeding 4 meters. It will also have a full-load displacement of around 2,000 tons and a maximum speed of 12 knots.

The ships are also expected to have a helicopter landing deck suitable for helicopters up to 11 tons, and will have space and allowances to carry two containerized mission modules.

The BN intends to use the ships to perform maritime law enforcement missions including maritime patrol, surveillance, fishery protection, and anti-smuggling operations within Bangladesh’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and territorial waters.

[1] Naval Today
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly