Business Details
33 Years
experience
Expert Marine Construction Services in Virginia Beach
Founded in 1993 by Raymond 'Lee' Spence and Suzanne, Spence Marine Construction has established itself as a leading marine contractor serving commercial and residential clients across Virginia's Hampton Roads area. Our expertise spans turn-key marine construction solutions, including docks, piers, bulkheads, and specialty underwater services. With over two decades of experience, we have cultivated strong partnerships enabling execution of projects ranging from small residential repairs to large-scale salvage and rehabilitation. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, we prioritize customer relationships through competitive pricing, professional ethics, and exceptional craftsmanship.Our team handles permitting processes through established federal, state, and local agency relationships, ensuring seamless project approvals. Committed to environmental stewardship, we implement Living Shorelines solutions and adhere to Virginia's Subaqueous Lands Guidelines. Our safety-first approach meets all commercial standards, and we maintain required Virginia business licenses and insurance. We proudly serve clients including the U.S. Coast Guard, Norfolk Botanical Gardens, and local municipalities while maintaining partnerships with engineering teams for comprehensive project execution.
Services
Marine facility construction
Dock repairs
Bulkhead installation
Boat lift services
Shoreline stabilization
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of marine construction expertise in Hampton Roads
- Full-service permitting assistance with local agencies
- Environmentally responsible Living Shorelines solutions
- Proven track record with government and municipal projects
- Comprehensive safety protocols meeting commercial standards
Services
Marine facility construction
We construct commercial and residential marine facilities including docks, piers, wharfs, and boat houses. Our team handles complete projects from design through final installation using materials like wood, vinyl, steel, and concrete. Clients benefit from our 20+ years of regional experience and established permitting relationships with local authorities.
Shoreline stabilization
Our shoreline solutions combine traditional methods with environmentally responsible practices. We install living shorelines with marsh vegetation, implement rip-rap systems, and build retention walls while following Virginia's Subaqueous Lands Guidelines. These solutions protect properties while maintaining ecological balance in coastal habitats.
Boat lift services
We design and install custom boat lifts and davit systems for residential and commercial clients. Our solutions accommodate various vessel sizes and include maintenance programs to ensure long-term functionality. Projects integrate with existing dock structures while meeting safety and durability standards.
Underwater specialty services
Our team performs underwater construction and repair work for bulkheads, pilings, and submerged structures. Using specialized diving crews and equipment, we execute salvage operations, demolition, and rehabilitation projects in challenging aquatic environments while maintaining safety protocols.
Permitting assistance
We manage the complete permitting process for marine construction projects through our established relationships with federal, state, and local agencies. Our team prepares necessary documentation, coordinates inspections, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations to streamline project approvals.
People
Raymond 'Lee' Spence
Owner/Operator
Founder with 20+ years of marine construction experience. University of Richmond graduate committed to ethical business practices. Oversees daily operations and project execution while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Questions
What marine construction services do you offer?
We provide docks, piers, bulkheads, boat lifts, shoreline stabilization, and underwater specialty services. Our capabilities include both residential and commercial projects.
Do you handle environmental regulations for projects?
Yes, we manage permitting processes and implement environmentally responsible solutions like living shorelines that comply with Virginia's Subaqueous Lands Guidelines.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Virginia's Hampton Roads area including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and surrounding Tidewater communities.
Are you licensed for marine construction?
We maintain all required Virginia business licenses and insurance for marine contracting operations.
Can you work on government projects?
Yes, we've completed projects for the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and local municipalities through competitive bidding processes.
