Erie Shipbuilding LLC


Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair LLC is a United States shipyard located in Lake Erie port of Erie, Pennsylvania. The shipyard was founded by Dirk VanEnkevort in October 2005, when he took over the lease of the former Litton Industries property from the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority for a price of $500,000 per year. In 2009, it was purchased by J. Arnold Witte, Sr., the CEO/owner of Donjon Marine Co., Inc.
The shipyard is a major employer in Erie County, currently employing nearly 200 people.
During the first winter in business, the shipyard, which employed about 60 people full-time, completed the following projects:
In the yard's second winter in business, it completed miscellaneous repairs on the steamer Philip R. Clarke, as well as beginning construction on a dump scow for Donjon Marine, christened the Witte 4003. In addition, they constructed six deck barges for Port Albany Ventures and Donjon Marine, the PAV 101, PAV 102, PAV 103, Sue B., Witte 1401, and Witte 1402. In 2008, the company began construction on a barge to be named Erie Trader and tug to be named Clyde VanEnkevort after the father of Dirk VanEnkevort. The tug and barge will mate together to create an cargo ship.
Erie Shipbuilding recently equipped their facility with metalworking robots to help with the shortage of skilled shipbuilders.