Balaena acquires APCL to create major UK shipbuilding and repair group

Balaena has acquired APCL Group, bringing together shipyard operations in Gibraltar, Cornwall, Tyneside, Birkenhead and Falmouth to create one of the UK's largest maritime engineering, shipbuilding and repair networks.

The enlarged group will operate twelve drydocks across the UK and the Mediterranean, strengthening capacity for naval support, commercial ship repair, offshore fabrication and vessel life-extension projects. Balaena said the acquisition aligns with UK defence and industrial policy objectives while expanding services for offshore energy, cargo, cruise and ferry operators.

The combined business will employ more than 2,000 people and plans to invest in modernising facilities, expanding repair and fabrication capacity, and developing low-emission propulsion capabilities. A national skills and apprenticeship programme will also be launched in partnership with colleges and maritime training organisations.

Simon Gillett, founder and CEO of Balaena, said: "We are delighted to welcome APCL Group into Balaena. This acquisition reinforces our long-term commitment to British maritime capability – creating jobs, expanding apprenticeships, and driving innovation in line with the ambitions of the Strategic Defence Review and the UK's Industrial Strategy."

APCL CEO David McGinley added: “Joining Balaena marks an exciting new chapter for APCL and our workforce. It secures the future of our shipyards, allows new investment in digital and green shipbuilding technologies, and renews our commitment to working closely with local communities on Tyne, Birkenhead, and Falmouth to create jobs, apprenticeships, and lasting prosperity”.

The acquisition gives Balaena a significantly larger footprint across the UK ship repair and shipbuilding sector, combining established facilities at A&P Tyne, Cammell Laird, A&P Falmouth and Falmouth Docks with Balaena's existing operations at Gibdock and Padstow.