Cammell Laird, the historic shipyard in Birkenhead, has been renamed Balaena Birkenhead following its acquisition by Balaena Group in a deal worth £150 million. The change was announced today, just a week after the takeover was confirmed.
New Name, New Era
Balaena Group, which also operates shipyards in Gibraltar and Padstow, acquired APCL Group, the umbrella organisation that ran Cammell Laird. The shipyard on the River Mersey will now be known as Balaena Birkenhead, aligning it with the company's other sites.
Simon Gillett, CEO of Balaena Group, explained the decision: "It's not been an easy decision. We've flip-flopped all over the place with the name change. But Balaena now have five shipyards, and we wanted a bold, clean, fresh approach to say something different is happening here."
Investment and Defence Support
The new enterprise aims to increase support for UK Defence interests and provide one of the UK's most comprehensive commercial ship repair and refit networks, serving offshore energy, cargo, cruise, and ferry sectors. Balaena plans to invest in modernising facilities, expanding capacity for ship repair, offshore fabrication, and low-emission propulsion systems.
Mr Gillett, a former Royal Navy apprentice engineer, emphasised the importance of the Royal Navy relationship: "Working with the Royal Navy is key. We've got senior former Royal Navy personnel on our board to ensure that relationship continues."
Skills and Apprenticeships
A new national skills and apprenticeship programme will be launched in partnership with local colleges and maritime training bodies. The GMB union welcomed the acquisition. Matt Roberts, national officer, said: "This deal gives certainty after months of speculation and allows our members to move forward together."
Worker Security
Mr Gillett assured workers of business as usual: "There's no change for change's sake. We want to build upon the good work already being done. Investment will come in line with the investment review and customer needs. Growth and long-term security for employees are our goals."
