Simon Gillett, CEO said: "Balaena stands ready to build the 160-meter vessels from our major construction facilities in Birkenhead and the North East of England.

Balaena has welcomed today’s Defence Investment Plan, saying the Government’s plans represent a major opportunity for Britain’s shipbuilding communities and the skilled workforce that underpins the nation’s defence.

Balaena has successfully completed the 2026 Annual Certification Period (ACP) for Bay Class vessel RFA Lyme Bay, delivering a complex and fast-paced maintenance package in Gibraltar to support the ship’s continued operational commitments.
Originally planned for later in the year, RFA Lyme Bay’s ACP was brought forward at short notice in response to evolving operational demands and programme requirements. This change in schedule required close coordination between Balaena’s Cluster Support Team in Falmouth, National Armaments Director Group, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and subcontract partners and regulatory authorities to deliver the work package within an accelerated timescale.

Balaena, the maritime engineering and shipbuilding group that owns the historic drydock and dockyard facility in Gibraltar, Gibdock, and a shipyard in Padstow, Cornwall, today announced the acquisition of APCL Group, a leading 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).