A remnant of a larger naval base, known as HMNB Singapore, the facility provides fuel and other supplies to Royal Navy ships in the region, as well as those of other countries.

[6] In November 2013, the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious visited the facility and was equipped with humanitarian aid and supplies destined for the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

[7][8] As a repair and logistics support facility, the BDSSU was underutilized by the Royal Navy until 2018, when the UK began a strategic return East of Suez.

[11] As part of an initiative to re-engage with the world after Brexit, the UK began evaluating options for a military base in the Far East in 2019.

At least one ship from the strike group, auxiliary RFA Tidespring, visited the BDSSU to resupply on fuel, food, stores and mail.