ShippingTelegraph: APCL Group joins Balaena in major UK shipyard acquisition

Published by ShippingTelegraph

Maritime engineering and shipbuilding group Balaena that owns the drydock and dockyard facility in Gibraltar, Gibdock, and a shipyard in Padstow, Cornwall, announced on Wednesday the acquisition of APCL Group, a British marine engineering company operating shipyards in Tyneside (A&P Tyne), Birkenhead (Cammell Laird) and Falmouth (A&P Falmouth and Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company).

The transaction gives Balaena a network of 12 dry docks and strategic reach across the UK and the Mediterranean, with more than 2,000 employees and operations across Gibraltar, Padstow, Tyne, Birkenhead, and Falmouth.

Balaena said the enlarged group will provide enhanced drydocking, hull fabrication, and life-extension services.

The acquisition will also offer, according to the company, a comprehensive commercial ship repair and refit network, serving operators in the offshore energy, cargo, cruise, and ferry sectors.

Balaena said it 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.

“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,” said Simon Gillett, founder and group chief executive officer of Balaena.