Gibdock, Gibraltar’s premier shipyard for naval and government vessels, successfully hosted an exclusive Defence Ship Repair Event at the House of Commons last night, bringing together key stakeholders from Government, industry, and the defence sector.
The event was hosted by Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, and featured keynote speeches from The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement, Tan Dhesi, Chairman of the House of Commons’ Defence Committee and Alan Donnelly, Chairman of Gibdock’s Advisory Board. Discussions focused on the critical role of strategic ship repair and maintenance in ensuring fleet readiness and operational capability.
Attendees heard insights on:
- The necessity of secure and reliable repair infrastructure for defence and security.
- Gibdock’s expertise in servicing naval, auxiliary, and commercial vessels.
- Opportunities for enhanced collaboration and partnerships within the sector.
Speakers highlighted Gibdock’s efficiency, strategic importance, and potential for further growth in supporting the UK’s naval and commercial maritime needs.
"Gibraltar and Gibdock make a fantastic, if somewhat underappreciated, contribution to our national security. The Rock is a strategic hub and enables and supports our military operations across the Euro Atlantic, Africa, and the Middle East” - Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement.
"Gibdock is a fantastic, profitable, efficient shipyard that can bring a lot to UK defence” - Tan Dhesi MP, Chair of the Defence Select Committee.
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"I’ve been really impressed with how Gibdock pulled together and how it’s working now as a very, very efficient and slick organization. With a shortage of docks and facilities in this country, pressure will come on, and Gibdock will be very important” - Lord West, former First Sea Lord.
The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement
Gibdock’s facilities represent a 23% increase in the capacity of UK commercial dry docks utilised by the MOD today. With its long-standing reputation for excellence, Gibdock is committed to supporting the UK’s defence and security needs through high-quality ship repair services and a new era of shipyard excellence under Balaena’s leadership.
Since Balaena’s acquisition in 2022, Gibdock has undergone extensive improvements, ensuring its operations meet the highest industry benchmarks. The shipyard has implemented state-of-the-art systems that enhance productivity, maintain safety excellence, and optimise project timelines, with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and technological innovation.
As a leading maritime hub strategically located at the gateway to the Mediterranean, – with top-tier health & safety standards, a highly skilled workforce, and a commitment to modernisation – Gibdock is an important player in the commercial and defence maritime sectors, and is providing vital support to the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and to NATO partners (see Annex: Recent Case Studies)
Simon Gillett CEO Baleana and GIbdock / Tan Dhesi – Chairman of the House of Commons’ Defence Committee
Commitment to Excellence in Health & Safety
Health & Safety remain at the forefront of Gibdock’s operational philosophy. Under Balaena’s leadership, stringent safety protocols have been introduced, aligning with international best practices to safeguard workers and clients alike. Advanced training programmes ensure that all personnel operate in a culture of continuous improvement, with a strong focus on risk mitigation and regulatory compliance.
A Highly Skilled Workforce, Driving Innovation
Gibdock’s greatest asset is its highly skilled workforce, renowned for delivering timely and cost-effective solutions to the most complex maritime projects. The shipyard’s robust apprenticeship and training initiatives, developed in collaboration with UK institutions, have strengthened the skills base, ensuring a pipeline of talent capable of meeting the evolving demands of the global maritime industry.
Strategic Location & Unmatched Capabilities
Situated at the entrance to the Mediterranean, Gibdock provides a unique advantage for vessels operating in the region. The shipyard’s geostrategic position reduces downtime for shipowners and defence partners, offering rapid response maintenance, refit, and repair services.
A Future-Ready Shipyard
Gibdock looks forward to playing a vital role in strengthening Britain’s sovereign maritime capabilities, as part of the UK’s 2025 Defence Industrial Strategy. Modern sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge engineering solutions mean Gibdock is set to remain a centre of excellence for ship maintenance and repair for years to come.
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