Balaena offers UK shipyards for new UK-Dutch amphibious transport ships

Shipbuilder Balaena has welcomed the decision by the United Kingdom and the Netherlands to jointly procure a new class of amphibious transport ships under a £2.4 billion programme. The company described the move as a major opportunity for British shipbuilding that will strengthen global security, deepen the relationship between the two nations, and benefit the UK’s shipbuilding communities.

Agreement Details

The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during a meeting of NATO leaders in Ankara on 7 July. Key details include:

• Ships will be built in UK shipyards alongside Dutch industry, based on a Dutch design
• Each nation will operate four vessels
• Ships will measure 160 metres long and weigh 15,000 tonnes
• Vessels will transport troops, vehicles, and equipment, including drones
• Flight decks are designed to operate current and future long-range uncrewed and autonomous systems

Balaena's Position

Balaena has positioned itself as a candidate to construct the vessels. Simon Gillett, the company’s Chief Executive, said in a statement:

"Balaena stands ready to build the 160-meter vessels from our major construction facilities in Birkenhead and the North East of England. Our facilities have the industrial capability and capacity to support complex warship construction, and we continue to deliver major military vessels in the UK."

Gillett pointed to the firm’s recent naval work as evidence of that capability:

"In 2026 we have delivered key structural components of the Type 26 frigate programme and other Sovereign defence platforms on behalf of BAE. We have also previously delivered significant units of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers."

Commercial Activity

The company also cited its commercial order book:

"Our commercial shipbuilding activity remains strong. In 2026, we will also deliver three commercial ferries, the Royal Daffodil for Mersey Travel and two ferries for Western Ferries."

Gillett added:

"Balaena and our established UK supply chain is ready to play its part in delivering the new amphibious transport ships, which will benefit our workforce and shipbuilding communities across the UK."

Programme Background

The joint programme, officially known as the Amphibious Transport Ship in line with Dutch naming conventions, supersedes the UK’s earlier Multi-Role Strike Ship concept. That concept initially envisaged up to six vessels replacing the two Albion-class landing platform docks, the three Bay-class landing ships, and RFA Argus, before budget pressures scaled back those plans.

Competition

Balaena is not the only British yard to signal interest in the work. Navantia UK, owner of Harland & Wolff in Belfast, has also issued a statement on the programme. Competition for the construction contracts is expected among the UK’s major shipbuilders.