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Colonna's Shipyard

On the banks of the Elizabeth River near Norfolk, VA, lies the Port of Hampton Roads. Among the many shipping industry's historic establishments along the Port of Hampton Roads, was the family owned and operated Colonna's Shipyard. Specializing in commercial construction and repair, the facility occupies a 50 acre plot of land with nearly a mile of waterfront property. On this property was over 80,000 sq. feet of covered work area and storage space. In terms of shipbuilding capability, linear berthing space was more than 3,200' and the longest construction pier was 900' long.

The history of Colonna's shipyard can be traced back to just after the Civil War. In 1875, while tensions between the North and the former Confederacy were still quite high, Charles J. Colonna established a successful ship repair facility that was to become Colonna's Shipyard. Rebuilding efforts around the South necessitated a strong shipping industry and the 26 year old carpenter soon found that it was an exciting and profitable time to be part of the effort.

With over 125 years of commercial experience, Colonna's Shipyard diversified its core business to include a market niche known as "megayachts." This decision came after strong response from its work on the first vessel of this variety, a 210' yacht called Virginian.

In November of 1991 Colonna's Shipyard Inc. emerged from a 19-month Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Short-lived was the reprieve as just four years later the shipyard again endured a 15-month bankruptcy, emerging in March of 1995. After an initially strong response, it became clear that the services the shipyard offered had then become somewhat obsolete. Colonna's Shipyard closed its operation in June of 1995.

The enduring Colonna's Shipyard stood for 125 years as an example of what the progressive commercial shipping should emulate. Not the least of this would have been accomplished had it not been for the strong work ethic of the shipyard's laborers, who toil in skilled and demanding field, in which they took great pride. The workers of Colonna's Shipyard formed the foundations of the firm's success, and put themselves in sometimes dangerous situations to uphold a day's labor. One of these situations was the potential exposure to dangerous toxins that were a fundamental building component of many early vessels. One of these toxins is asbestos. Before its harmful effects were known, asbestos was used a extensively in many different facets of ship construction. Today, workers who may have worked on those vessels in specific fields are at risk of developing asbestos-induced respiratory ailments. It is important if you may have been exposed to seek out further information from an appropriate physician.

Last modified: December 09 2009.