Hornblower expands Bridgeport Shipyard to 17 acres, launches full-service maritime hub

Hornblower Group has announced a major expansion of its waterfront operations in Bridgeport, transforming its facility into a 17-acre full-service shipyard aimed at serving commercial, government, and private maritime clients across the East Coast.

The newly expanded site at 731 Seaview Ave., now named Steelpointe Shipyard by Hornblower, marks a significant increase from the company’s previous one-acre footprint. The development reflects Hornblower’s continued investment in the region and its effort to position Bridgeport as a central hub for maritime services.

“Hornblower is excited to extensively expand our Bridgeport footprint and community impact,” said Shull Autin, chief maritime officer of Hornblower Group, in a statement. “With this tremendous expansion in available facility space and equipment capabilities, Steelpointe Shipyard by Hornblower will serve as the East Coast’s new hub for maritime expertise and service.”

The upgraded facility includes 45,000 square feet of indoor space, three marine travel lifts capable of hauling vessels up to 700 tons, and a 220-foot service dock. The shipyard also employs a range of skilled tradespeople specializing in welding, fabrication, mechanics, electrical systems, and painting.

The company said the expanded capabilities will allow it to handle vessel construction, maintenance, emergency repairs, and complex overhauls for a wide range of clients, from commercial operators to yacht owners. Its location along Long Island Sound provides deep-water access, a key advantage for servicing larger vessels.

Junior Volpe, senior vice president of vessel construction and repair for Hornblower Marine, said the expansion builds on the company’s growth since launching local operations in 2021.

The shipyard will operate across six specialized divisions, including construction, propulsion, management, consulting, services, and a newly launched yachts division. The addition of yacht and recreational vessel services expands Hornblower’s reach beyond traditional commercial clients.

Hornblower Marine Propulsion will serve as the official Northeast distributor for Baudouin Marine Engines, offering diagnostics, repair, and engine sales. Meanwhile, its management and consulting divisions will provide advisory services for fleet expansion, shipyard selection, and operational planning.

Company officials said the expansion is designed to create an integrated maritime service model in one location, streamlining projects from design and engineering to execution.

“This expansion represents a big step forward in Hornblower’s ability to deliver a truly integrated maritime service offering,” said Timothy O’Brien, senior vice president of ferries and concessions operations.

Hornblower partnered with property owners RCI and the Christoph family on the development, aiming to maximize the use of the historic waterfront site.

With the launch of Steelpointe Shipyard, the company said it expects to strengthen Bridgeport’s role in the maritime industry while creating new opportunities for skilled workers and supporting continued growth along the East Coast.

Don’t miss

• Billy Idol to bring 2026 tour to Mohegan Sun Arena in August
• Goose announces new studio album ‘Big Modern!’ amidst global 2026 tour
• Wilton Historical Society to host lecture on Revolutionary War food satire

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

April events at Fairfield Theatre Company

4/10 – Residual Groove
4/11 – Lotus
4/11 – North Country Band
4/14 – Shadowgrass
4/15 – Fantastic Cat
4/16 – Leo Kottke
4/17 – Bad Animals
4/17 – Ryan Montableu Band
4/18 – Anders Osborne
4/19 – The Queens Meet The Kings
4/21 – Davy Knowles
4/22 – Afternoon of Jazz
4/23 – Bob Margolis Blues Band
4/24 – Save Ferris
4/25 -Alison Brown
4/26 – Thee Sinsters & The Altons
4/30 – Bronwyn Keith-Hynes

Click here for more information & order tickets.

April events at PeoplesBank Arena

4/10 – Providence Bruins vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
4/15 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
4/17 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
4/18 – Romeo Santos & Prince Royce, click here to purchase tickets
4/23 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets
4/24 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets
4/25 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets
4/26 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Finding Connecticut’s patriotic merch celebrates state pride and American spirit, just in time for the lead-up to America 250. Featuring classic red, white, and blue style, the collection is a nod to where we’ve been and where we’re headed. As the nation prepares to mark 250 years in 2026, these pieces are an easy way to show pride in both Connecticut and the broader American story—past, present, and future.

Click here to shop

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates April with live music legends, comedy, pop nostalgia, and Easter weekend festivities

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited articles of the week

Hornblower expands Bridgeport Shipyard to 17 acres, launches full-service maritime hub