Balaena, the owner of the A&P shipyard in Hebburn, South Tyneside, has expressed strong interest in securing a role in the construction of a new £2.4bn fleet of amphibious transport ships for the UK Royal Navy and the Netherlands.
Programme Confirmed at NATO Summit
The warship programme was confirmed at the recent NATO summit in Turkey, with the deal described as an export win for the UK. The fleet will consist of eight vessels, four for each country, capable of transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment including drones.
Each ship will be 160 metres long, displace 15,000 tonnes, and feature flight decks designed to operate current and future long-range drones and autonomous systems. Reports indicate that the ships could be built using a “block construction” process, involving multiple yards before final assembly at a single location.
Balaena’s Capabilities and Ambitions
Simon Gillett, CEO of Balaena, said: “Balaena stands ready to build the 160-metre vessels from our major construction facilities in Birkenhead and the North East of England. Our facilities have the industrial capability and capacity to support complex warship construction, and we continue to deliver major military vessels in the UK.”
He highlighted that in 2026, Balaena has delivered key structural components of the Type 26 frigate programme and other sovereign defence platforms for BAE Systems. The company also contributed to the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. Additionally, Balaena’s commercial shipbuilding remains strong, with plans to deliver three commercial ferries in 2026: the Royal Daffodil for Mersey Travel and two ferries for Western Ferries.
Balaena employs around 230 people at the Hebburn yard, having acquired A&P Group earlier this summer. Gillett added: “Balaena and our established UK supply chain is ready to play its part in delivering the new amphibious transport ships, which will benefit our workforce and shipbuilding communities across the UK.”
Competition and Political Support
Balaena is not the only company vying for the work. Belfast-based Harland & Wolff has also expressed its ambition to help build the vessels, touting investment of more than £98.5m.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten signed the agreement for the Amphibious Transport Ships during a meeting of NATO leaders in Ankara earlier this month. Starmer said: “This partnership is not just about building ships, it is also about delivering long-term security for both the UK and The Netherlands, ensuring we are able to stay ahead of the threats of tomorrow.”
He continued: “Combining the UK’s industrial expertise with The Netherlands’ design and sea-faring experience to deliver first-rate platforms for our elite amphibious forces, this partnership will strengthen NATO. I am incredibly proud that British shipyards will help deliver these ships, creating and sustaining good jobs here at home in the UK.”
