Birkenhead's iconic shipyard Cammell Laird has new owners after a major deal was completed. Balaena, the maritime engineering and shipbuilding group that owns sites in Gibraltar and Padstow, has announced the acquisition of APCL Group, the umbrella organisation that operates the Wirral's famous shipyard.
Strategic Expansion
Balaena says the deal marks a significant milestone in its plans to expand and improve Britain's maritime and naval shipbuilding and ship repair capability and capacity. The new enterprise will provide the basis for increased support to UK Defence interests and will aim to offer one of the UK's most comprehensive commercial ship repair and refit networks, serving operators in the offshore energy, cargo, cruise, and ferry sectors.
The enlarged group will provide enhanced drydocking, hull fabrication, and life-extension services, reducing vessel downtime and strengthening Britain’s position as a competitive hub for global ship repair.
Leadership Comments
Simon Gillett, founder and group chief executive officer 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. By uniting Balaena’s vision and ambition with APCL’s skilled teams in Tyne, Birkenhead, and Falmouth, we are strengthening the UK’s ability to deliver for both the Royal Navy and the global commercial maritime sector, while investing in the next generation of British shipbuilders and engineers.”
David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group, 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.”
Investment and Training
Balaena plans to invest in modernising APCL’s facilities, expanding capacity for ship repair, offshore fabrication, and low-emission propulsion systems. A new national skills and apprenticeship programme will also be launched in partnership with local colleges and maritime training bodies to develop Britain’s next generation of maritime professionals.
Union Welcome
The acquisition has been welcomed by the GMB union. Matt Roberts, the union's national officer and president of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU), said: “This deal gives certainty after months of speculation and allows our members and the yards at Cammell Laird, A&P Falmouth, and A&P Tyne to move forward together. GMB has been clear our members want a solution that kept the three yards together as a strong and complimentary group, so we welcome this deal. There is great capability and delivery across these yards. We look forward to working with the new owners to ensure we continue to grow UK sovereign capability and increase local jobs and apprenticeships in Merseyside, west Cornwall, and on Tyneside. GMB continue to demand an end to the inexcusable sending of British shipbuilding and repair work overseas. The Labour Government must fully make good on this change, and ensure all domestic work goes to the UK shipyards, including these yards now owned by Balaena.”
