UK-based Balaena has taken a major step in expanding its maritime services portfolio with the acquisition of British marine engineering specialist APCL Group in a deal valued at GBP150 million ($200 million).
The transaction brings under Balaena’s control several key UK maritime facilities, including A&P Tyne, A&P Falmouth, Falmouth Docks and Engineering, and Cammell Laird in Birkenhead. The acquisition significantly strengthens the company’s position in a ship repair and refit market experiencing growing demand from the offshore energy, ferry, cruise and commercial shipping sectors.
Balaena, which already owns Gibdock in Gibraltar, has confirmed that substantial capital investment will follow the acquisition. The company plans to modernise APCL’s facilities, increase repair capacity and expand capabilities in offshore energy support vessels, offshore fabrication and the installation of low-emission propulsion technologies.
A major workforce development initiative also forms part of the strategy. Working alongside local colleges and maritime training institutions, Balaena intends to launch a nationwide skills and apprenticeship programme designed to support recruitment and help train the next generation of maritime professionals in the UK.
The acquisition creates a much larger operational network by integrating Balaena’s facilities in Gibraltar and Padstow with APCL’s UK yards. Together, the combined business will operate a total of 12 dry docks, providing customers with a unified point of contact and a flexible operational platform capable of responding rapidly to repair and maintenance requirements across the UK, Europe and the Mediterranean.
Beyond commercial shipping, the deal is expected to reinforce support for the UK defence sector and align with the objectives of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy. The expanded group will offer a wider range of services, including dry dockings, vessel surveys, hull fabrication, outfitting projects and life-extension programmes.
Shipowners are also expected to benefit from enhanced vessel efficiency solutions, including engine system upgrades and the installation of energy-saving technologies aimed at reducing fuel consumption and improving environmental performance.
Commenting on the acquisition, Balaena Founder and Group CEO Simon Gillett described the transaction as a significant milestone for British maritime capability.
“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,” he said.
Gillett added that bringing together Balaena’s ambitions with APCL’s experienced teams in Tyne, Birkenhead and Falmouth will strengthen the UK’s ability to serve both Royal Navy requirements and the wider international commercial maritime sector, while supporting the development of future generations of British shipbuilders and engineers.
