The history of the shipyard began in 1967 when entrepreneur Salvatore Palumbo purchased a small steel workshop. Over the next five decades, this workshop evolved into a shipbuilding powerhouse, eventually becoming Palumbo Superyachts, a group that includes prestigious brands such as ISA, Mondomarine, and Extra.

In 2008, the Palumbo Group decided to enter the superyacht market, establishing the Columbus Yachts brand. Columbus Yachts gained international recognition in 2011 with the launch of its first 54-meter superyacht, M/Y PRIMA. The yacht was showcased at the Monaco Yacht Show and was almost immediately purchased, marking the brand's successful debut on the global stage.

Palumbo Superyachts, which includes the Columbus Yachts brand, currently operates eight shipyards located in Naples, Ancona, and Savona. These facilities employ 900 highly skilled professionals and produce up to 500 hulls annually.

In addition to yacht construction, Palumbo Superyachts' production sites also specialize in refit and maintenance services for yachts of various sizes, ensuring that each vessel remains in peak condition.

Columbus Yachts offers a wide range of transatlantic-capable semi-custom yachts made from steel and aluminum alloys, ranging from 33 to 120 meters, across four distinct series:

• Atlantique – Motor yachts designed by Hot Lab, available in lengths from 37 to 65 meters.
• Classic – Traditional displacement motor yachts, ranging from 50 to 120 meters.
• Sport – Yachts with sporty hulls, spanning 43 to 67 meters.
• Crossover – Expedition yachts, available in lengths from 42 to 57 meters.

Columbus Yachts also provides full customization options for bespoke projects, allowing clients to tailor the yacht’s layout and interior to their specific needs.

All Columbus yachts are equipped with advanced technology, and their interiors and naval architecture are created in collaboration with leading studios and designers. Notably, the Classic and Crossover series were developed in partnership with the Italian studio Hydro Tec, while renowned designer Luca Dini contributed to the design of the 50-meter motor yacht K2.

Among the brand’s most iconic superyachts are the 80-meter Dragon, the 56-meter Taiba, and the 54-meter Armada (formerly known as Prima). Other notable vessels include the 40-meter yachts Mrs D (formerly Katia) and Leudin I (formerly Eleonora III).

In 2023, the shipyard completed the 50-meter custom superyacht M/Y ANJELIF, and the CROSSOVER 42 and ATLANTIQUE 37M models are currently under construction, with launches planned for 2025.