Cammell Laird Shipyard Acquired by Balaena

Balaena, a Cornwall-based maritime and engineering group, has acquired Cammell Laird’s parent company APCL Group, in an acquisition deal for an undisclosed sum.

The APCL Group not only consists of Cammell Laird, but also further entities; A&P Falmouth, A&P Tyne, Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company, and Neway Industrial Services.

The acquirer, Balaena, is a privately-owned maritime engineering group founded by Simon Gillett and headquartered in Delabole, Cornwall. The company also owns the historic dry dock and dockyard facility in Gibraltar, Gibdock, as well as a shipyard in Padstow, Cornwall.

Given that Balaena was only incorporated in June 2019, this acquisition marks a notable achievement for the rapidly-growing company.

The acquisition brings under one roof a group of companies that have extensive involvement in current Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary work. For example, the APCL Group currently maintains the RFA flotilla at Falmouth and Birkenhead.

A storied name in British shipbuilding, Cammell Laird has built warships, aircraft carriers, and submarines since its founding in 1828. More recent accomplishments include building the first new Mersey Ferry for more than 60 years – Royal Daffodil – as well as the polar research vessel Sir David Attenborough.

Simon Gillett, who is also the CEO of Balaena, commented on the acquisition:

“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”.

His comments were echoed by David McGinley, chief executive of APCL Group, who said:

“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”.

It is expected that Balaena will invest in modernising APCL’s facilities, expanding capacity for tasks such as fabrication, repair and the development of low-carbon propulsion technologies.

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