Steel America – Who We Are
Steel America, a division of Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc., is a premier provider of custom steel fabrication and large-scale machining with advanced mechanical and electrical capabilities. We specialize in heavy, high-cube structures, up to 1,000 metric tons in modular form, delivered by barge directly from our waterfront facility.
We are proud to be a NAVSEA Certified Surface and Submarine Shaft Repair Facility, supporting critical defense programs such as the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarines and the Ford- and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. In addition, we partner across commercial industries, including marine, power, and industrial sectors – delivering fabrication, overhaul, repair, and on-site machining and welding services wherever they’re needed.
With in-house engineering, estimating, and project management, every job is executed with accountability, quality oversight, and efficiency from start to finish. For more than 30 years, Steel America has built a reputation for tackling complex projects and delivering them on time, on budget, and built to last – extending Colonna’s legacy of excellence since 1875.
Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc., located in the historic Berkley section of Norfolk, Virginia, is the oldest continuously family-owned and operated private shipyard in the United States. Established in 1875 by 26-year-old ship carpenter Charles J. Colonna, the company began with modest resources, focusing on pier-side repairs. Learn more about Colonna’s here.
Our Mission
Rooted in ship repair, Colonna’s will be the trusted project management partner for maritime and heavy industrial applications on the East Coast and beyond. We will bring skilled craftspeople and project management expertise to bear on uniquely complex projects, both on and off the water.
Our Vision
Proudly delivering exceptional maritime and industrial maintenance, repair, and construction services since 1875.
Our Values
RESPECT: Respect for the individual is paramount – it is earned through a continual focus on the betterment of our company and community.
PRIDE: We own our work. Constant pursuit of mastery is a requirement because outcomes matter to our community, our customer, and our country.
TRUTH: We deal in facts and information. We build ownership through integrity, which is the cornerstone of all our relationships.
FAMILY: We build people up through an unwavering commitment to authenticity and personal accountability.
Corporate Accountability
Guided by safety and quality we remain committed to building a better tomorrow. Operating with ethics and
accountability at the forefront, we deliver integrity and performance in every area of our work.
Quality Assurance
Quality Management System: Qualifications & Certifications
- ABS/AISC/AWS/ASME Certified Facility
- ISO 9001:2015 Compliant Quality Management System
- NAVSEA MILSTD 248/278; EB 2678 certified
- Customer-dedicated Quality Assurance Manager and inspectors
- On-Site Certified Welding & NDT Inspectors IAW ASNT TC-1A (VT/MT/PT/UT)
- Three Dimensional inspectors with Spatial Analyzer capabilities supporting GD&T requirements
- Accredited Apprentice Program (DOL/TCC) for skilled trades
- SSPC QP-1 Certified Field Application of Coatings and Complex Structures
- NAVSEA Certified Shaft Repair Facility for surface ship and submarines
Health & Safety
We view safety as a core value and the foundation of how we operate. Our commitment is to provide a safe, healthy workplace by continually strengthening our safety practices and standards. Through ongoing training, proactive risk assessments, and the use of advanced safety technologies, we ensure safety is built into everything we do.
- Comprehensive safety training for all employees
- Employee-driven safety initiatives and reporting
- Routine audits and inspections
- Commitment to continuous safety improvement
