Colonna’s Shipyard invests $79M to build 4th drydock

Norfolk-based Colonna’s Shipyard, the oldest continuously operating family-owned shipyard in the United States, announced it has invested $79 million to build its fourth drydock.

According to a Friday news release from the shipyard, the new drydock in Norfolk is expected to have an approximate lifting capacity of 25,000 tons and will allow Colonna’s to improve capabilities in providing ship repair and maintenance services to maritime clients.

“‘Made in America’ means ‘Made in Virginia,’ and with this major investment by Colonna’s Shipyard, that is especially true for America’s naval shipbuilding and commercial maritime industry,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. “The acquisition of this new drydock is not just an investment in infrastructure; it’s an investment in the long-term strength of our national defense and commercial fleet support.”

The new drydock, under construction and slated for delivery in the first half of 2028, will be 147 feet wide and 725 feet long.

“This new drydock acquisition is a testament to our continued dedication to quality service, on-time delivery and our steadfast focus on the future,” Colonna’s Shipyard Chairman and CEO Randall Crutchfield said in a statement. “The expansion of our drydock capacity will further strengthen our ability to serve both our commercial and government clients, ensuring that we can meet their ever-evolving needs with unmatched expertise and reliability.

“This investment is also a continued commitment to our employees and the economic vitality of Norfolk’s industrial working waterfront, which has been an integral part of our success for over a century,” he added.

The shipyard says the new drydock continues its efforts to expand and modernize its facilities to meet the growing demand for ship repair and conversion services. In the past decade, Colonna’s Shipyard has invested more than $150 million to grow shipbuilding and sustainment capacity within its U.S. facilities.

Founded in 1875, Colonna’s provides ship repair, marine and industrial machining, and steel fabrication. Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, Colonna’s employs more than 700 people and operates three dry docks and a 1,000-metric-ton travel lift. It also supplies on-site welding services and has expanded its reach to San Diego and Kentucky.