Colonna's Shipyard
The Oldest Private Shipyard in the U.S. Marks 150 Years
Colonna’s Shipyard, located in the historic Berkley section of Norfolk, is the oldest continuously running family-owned and operated private shipyard in the U.S. Established in 1875 by Charles J. Colonna, the company began with modest resources, focusing on pier-side repairs. Within two years, Charles introduced the shipyard’s first marine railway, powered by two horses and capable of lifting 40 tons, setting the stage for a legacy of innovation and growth.
In 1875, times were hard, and money was scarce, but it was an exciting time for 26-year-old ship’s carpenter Charles Colonna to start his own business. The port was bustling with vessels in need of repairs, placing him in the heart of a thriving seaport with the opportunity to succeed through hard work. With a loan from his brother, he established his shipyard on the principles of hard work, good value, and fair dealings – values that would define the company for generations to come.
Charles had a few advantages on his side. His marine railway and nearby sawmills provided an abundant supply of sawn lumber in all sizes and types. Norfolk’s harbor was a hub of commerce, where water transportation served as the primary means of moving goods, from the heaviest cargo to the smallest farm produce. Water taxis shuttled people between points and, on clear days, the harbor was filled with countless sail-powered vessels navigating its waters.
Weld America provides welding services 24/7 at Colonna’s Shipyard.
As Norfolk grew, so did Colonna’s Shipyard. When bridges and streetcar tracks were added decades later, the area became part of the city of Norfolk through annexation in 1906. From its humble beginnings, Colonna’s Shipyard laid the foundation for what would become a lasting legacy in the maritime industry.
Today, Colonna’s covers 120 acres in Norfolk, providing customers with an efficient and cost-effective layout of pier space, dry docks, railway, support shops, boat yards, and administrative offices in a single, well-equipped facility.
Some highlights over the last 25 years include:
- Steel America was created in 2000, specializing in heavy machining, fabrication, and repair
- In 2009, Colonna’s began a $20 million yard expansion and purchased Travelift with a lifting capacity of 1,000 metric tons.
- Colonna’s Shipyard West was founded in 2015, expanding the enterprise to San Diego.
- Weld America began in 2020, supplying 24/7 on-site welding services.
- In 2023, Colonna’s acquired Accurity Industrial Contractors in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Colonna’s Shipyard was established in 1875 and over the years has grown to cover 120 acres in Norfolk’s Berkley section. Five generations of the Colonna family have guided the company.
Family is still very much a part of Colonna’s. Randall Crutchfield, Charles Colonna’s great-great-grandson, serves as chairman and CEO, the fifth generation involved in the business. The company has 750 employees with most based at the headquarters in Norfolk. From skilled welders and shipfitters to government contract specialists, Colonna’s credits its employees as the backbone of the organization as they help ensure that every project is completed to the highest standards.
Colonna’s Shipyard works with Chase Townsend, senior vice president and commercial banker. “I really enjoy my relationship with Colonna’s, a company with a long history of innovation and accomplishments,” Chase says. “I’m proud to be their financial partner and congratulate them on 150 years.”
For more information, visit ColonnaShip.com.