Bellona initially traded locally in Indian waters.

Bellona entered Lloyd's Register (LR) in 1800 with George Bowen, master, Lennox, owner, and trade London–India.

[3] She then underwent fitting for the return voyage to India at a cost of £2736 8s 6d.

The French frigate Chiffonne captured Bellona on 16 June 1801 off the Cape of Good Hope.

[5] A prize crew under Ensign Jean-Michel Mahé took Bellona to Mauritius.