Bulldog Class Coastal Survey Vessels

Designated as 'Coastal Survey Vessels' they undertake hydrographic and oceanographic work worldwide, although they have operated extensively in the North Sea Oilfields.

History

In the 1960's it was acknowledged that the Royal Navy's hydrographic flotilla was in need of modernisation. To update the survey fleet the Navy envisaged building three offshore survey ships (this became the Hecla Class) and six coastal survey vessels. The names chosen for the coastal survey vessels were Albatross, Albacore, Barracouta, Bulldog, Fox and Fawn. To avoid confusion and misunderstandings Albatross and Albacore were renamed Pelican and Porcupine (one of the tasks of the Ship's Names committee is to choose names that will not be confused) while the name Barracouta was changed to Beagle to commemorate the Beagle of Charles Darwin fame. A contract to design and build four vessels for the Royal Navy was placed with Brooke Marine in 1966. Bulldog, Beagle and Fox were launched at two monthly intervals in 1967 followed by Fawn early the following year. As a class of four they were designed to operate in pairs: Bulldog with Beagle and Fox with Fawn.

Built to commercial standards Bulldog and Beagle have a displacement of 1,135 tonnes and are 57.7 metres long with a beam of 13 metres. They have a complement of 44 and are unarmed. Both ships carry a small survey craft and launch together with a Land Rover. They are air conditioned for work in tropical water while a well designed hull and passive stabilisers make these craft extremely good seaboats, capable of operating in all conditions.

Fox was paid off in 1988 and sold the following year for commercial surveying, while Fawn was paid of 1991 and was sold in 1992 being renamed ‘Red Fulmar’.In 1998 together with the rest of the hydrographic flotilla Bulldog and Beagle were painted grey and their pennant number prefix changed from 'A' to 'H' emphasizing their status as warships rather than auxiliaries . They are both based at Devonport and are both due to be replaced: an order was expected in 1996 for two coastal survey vessels but was delayed. Under existing plans they will be withdrawn from service between 2001 and 2002.

Class Details:

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© Written and researched by Jeremy Olver. Last updated 29th October 2000. Disclaimer.