H.M. Dockyard Gibraltar: 1903–1984

With a heritage which can be traced back to the 18th century, the foundations for services today were laid between 1893-1907, three Royal Navy Dockyard drydocks. Through two World Wars and up to the 1980s, facilities operated under public ownership, providing a strategic location for naval and commercial clients.

By 1983, lower demand for Royal Navy work was having consequences for several dockyards supporting the fleet. After a period as the Gibraltar Ship Repair Company, managed for the Gibraltar Government by A&P Appledore International Ltd, the yard was acquired by Kvaerner and, in 1997, by Cammell Laird.

Many of the senior managers and skilled tradespeople working at the yard today experienced these years of transition before becoming part of the core team that would establish Gibdock as the leading provider of high quality, on time shiprepair and conversion services in the region.    

Registered in 2009 after new investors were attracted to acquire the business, the formal launch of Gibdock came in 2011 when the Cammell Laird (Gibraltar) trademark was formally returned to the UK. The yard quickly consolidated its renown for excellence, building on the natural advantage of its location.

As a key local employer whose success is entwined with Gibraltar’s global reputation, Gibdock went on to grow its commercial and offshore business, attract complex dredger projects and expand its ferry and naval workload. Increasingly, projects also focused on enhancing ship sustainability.

In May 2022, Gibdock Ltd was acquired by UK-headquartered Balaena – well known as a provider of freshwater, wastewater and energy solutions. The acquisition reinforced Gibdock’s focus on sustainable growth areas, such as offshore utility platforms, while also injecting new impetus into its role as a service provider for commercial and navy customers.

In line with the yard’s historic position at the heart of Gibraltar, Balaena has renewed Gibdock’s commitments to continue nurturing the local skills-base and stepped up efforts to remain a good neighbour to the local community.