Colonna’s Shipyard today announced a $79 million investment to acquire a fourth drydock at its Norfolk, Va., facilities.

The new 725’x147′ drydock, with a planned lifting capacity of about 25,000 tons, is slated for delivery in the first half of 2028. According to the company, the expansion will increase its ability to service both government and commercial vessels and sustain its role on Norfolk’s working waterfront. Details about the construction site and builder of the new drydock were not disclosed.

Founded in 1875, Colonna’s is recognized as the oldest continuously operating family-owned shipyard in the country. Over the past decade, the yard said it has put more than $150 million into growing and modernizing its facilities to meet rising demand for ship repair and conversion work.

Randall Crutchfield, chairman and CEO of Colonna’s, said the new dock reflects the company’s focus on both its customers and employees. “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,” he said in a statement.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin called the project an investment not only in Colonna’s future, but in the state’s position in U.S. ship repair and sustainment. “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,” Youngkin said in a press release.

The project comes as the Navy and commercial operators continue to look for additional domestic capacity in ship maintenance, an area where Norfolk remains one of the busier ports on the East Coast.

WorkBoat reached out to Colonna’s for further specs on the newbuild.