Conversion
Balaena specialises in complex conversion and upgrade projects on a range of vessels including cable laying vessels, offshore support vessels and ferries.
This is supported by experienced project management personnel with decades of experience of commercial, military and offshore vessels.
Balaena’s facilities are ideally suited for conversion projects, with large sized dry docks, crane capacities and extensive onsite workshops we are able to provide both small and large scale conversions to the commercial, military and offshore industry.
Decades of Experience
HMS Dauntless
HMS Dauntless is the first member of the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Fleet to complete her Power Improvement Project (PIP) at Balaena.
The PIP improves the resilience of the Type 45 Destroyer’s power and propulsion system. One of the most advanced warships ever built, the vessel called upon Balaena’s extensive experience in ship conversion to replace its two diesel generators with three new systems and modify the high-voltage system.
St Helena
Unique cargo-passenger ship RMS St Helena has been converted into a mobile hub for the Extreme E SUV racing series, thanks to the expertise of Balaena’s team and the vessel’s third-party managers, Wilson Ship Management Ltd.
RMS St Helena was one of the last working Royal Mail ships in the world and well known for her regular sailings between the tropical island of St Helena and Cape Town. After making her last cruise journey in 2018 and going on to serve as a vessel-based armoury in the Gulf of Oman, Extreme E acquired her as its base ship. The ship will now be used to transport electric SUV racing cars around the world.
Bibby Sapphire
The offshore support vessel Bibby Sapphire underwent a significant conversion and upgrade programme with Balaena, designed to prepare the vessel for a new operational profile.
Balaena’s engineering and project management teams delivered a comprehensive package of works, including structural modifications, systems upgrades and the integration of new mission-specific equipment. The project showcased Balaena’s ability to undertake complex, multi-discipline conversions on offshore assets, delivering improved capability, enhanced reliability and extended service life.
Nexans Skagerrak
The cable-laying vessel Nexans Skagerrak underwent a substantial modification and upgrade programme with Balaena, supporting the vessel’s continued role in high-capacity subsea cable installation projects worldwide.
Balaena delivered a series of complex engineering works, including structural modifications, equipment integration, and mission-system upgrades. The project enhanced the vessel’s operational capability, improved deck layout efficiency and ensured compliance with modern offshore requirements. The successful upgrade demonstrates Balaena’s expertise in delivering high-integrity conversion work on advanced specialist vessels.