Maritime group Balaena has purchased the A&P shipyard in Hebburn, South Tyneside, as part of a larger acquisition that establishes a leading ship repair and refitting company. The deal includes the A&P yard at Hebburn, Cammell Laird at Birkenhead, Merseyside, and A&P Falmouth and Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company in Cornwall.
Strategic expansion
Balaena already operates dry dock and dockyard facilities in Gibraltar and Cornwall. The acquisition of APCL Group adds a network of 12 dry docks, providing strategic reach across the UK and the Mediterranean. The enlarged company will serve defence, offshore energy, cargo, cruise, and ferry sectors.
Balaena plans to invest in modernising facilities at all three locations and launch a new skills and apprenticeship programme in partnership with local colleges and training providers. The company stated the deal will increase its role in supporting UK defence interests.
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.”
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.”
Workforce and heritage
The combined workforce exceeds 2,000 employees, with operations spanning Gibraltar, Padstow, Hebburn, Birkenhead, and Falmouth. The deal preserves historic names in UK shipbuilding: Cammell Laird dates back to the early 19th century, while A&P has operated since the 1970s.
Union welcome
Matt Roberts, GMB national officer and president of the Confederation of Shipbuilding & 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... 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.”
Roberts also called on the Labour Government to end the practice of sending British shipbuilding work overseas, urging that all domestic contracts go to UK shipyards.
Defence context
The acquisition follows Defence Secretary John Healey's recent announcement of plans to ensure British companies receive more defence contracts, amid ongoing discussions over the Defence Investment Plan.
