The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently announced new grants totaling $8.75 million would be granted to a number of small shipyards across the U.S.
The Biden Administration, through the U.S. Maritime Administration, announced that $8.75 million in new grants will be administered to 15 small shipyards across 12 states. The grants come as part of the Small Shipyard Grant Program, which aims to improve maritime infrastructure by helping shipyards modernize their infrastructure, increase efficiency, grow job opportunities, and compete within the U.S.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a press release:
“Small shipyards are integral to the strength of America’s supply chains and the maritime industry. With the grants announced today, the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering funding that will create jobs in cities and towns across the country, strengthen our commercial fleet, and add power to our national economy.”
The Small Shipyard Grant Program
The Small Shipyard Grant Program was founded in 2008. Since then, the program has released nearly $332 million in grants for smaller shipyards throughout the U.S. Due to the vast amount of money flowed through the program to smaller shipyards, the funds have helped these shipyards hire a workforce, improve infrastructure, and more. Shipbuilding is a $40 billion industry, which has a tremendous effect on global business.
Who received funds from the Small Shipyard Grant Program in 2024 so far?
Below are the recipients of grants from the program as of July 2024. Data has been provided from the U.S. Maritime Administration and published in its recent press release.
Alabama
“Birdon America, Inc. Alabama Shipyard, LLC., of Bayou La Batre, AL will receive $997,065 to support the purchase of an automated welding system.”
Florida
“Gulf Marine Repair, of Tampa, FL, services government, commercial and noncommercial vessels in the South Florida region. They will receive $997,678 for their Dry-Dock Strengthening Project of the A.W. HENDRY drydock to increase lift capacity and serviceability.”
Hawaii
“MARISCO, Ltd., of Honolulu, HI will receive $584,563 to purchase of an electric air compressor and plasma cutter.”
Kentucky
“James Marine, Inc., of Paducah, KY on the upper Mississippi River, will receive $460,500 to support the purchase of a 40-ton rough terrain crane.”
Louisiana
“C&C Marine and Repair LLC, of Belle Chasse, LA which has been successfully operating for over 55 years in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, will receive $514,263 to purchase a Messer CNC Plasma Cutting Table.”
“Cooper Consolidated LLC, Convent-Mile 164 Shipyard, of Convent, LA will receive $368,440 to purchase a Bobcat track loader, 4 welding machines, 9,000 lb. capacity telehandler, and a backhoe tractor.”
Maryland
“The General Ship Repair Corporation, of Baltimore, MD is one of the largest commercial shipyards in the state of Maryland. They will receive $364,311 to support the purchase of a blast and paint shelter, ultra-high pressure water blasting unit, a mist / dry-blast unit and air dryer.”
Mississippi
“Gulfship Apprenticeship LLC, of Gulfport, MS is a manufacturing facility and small shipyard. They will receive $4,547 to procure a CNC machine to teach students and assist shipyard.”
Oregon
“WCT Marine & Construction, Inc., of Astoria, OR will receive $874,297 to purchase a 450-ton hydraulic self-propelled vessel transporter.”
Pennsylvania
“Philly Shipyard, Inc., of Philadelphia, PA will receive $800,000 to support their shipyard apprentice program.”
“Rhoads Industries, Inc., of Philadelphia, PA, will receive $552,846 to support the expansion of their standard welding training program adding modern mechanized welding systems.”
Rhode Island
“Safe Harbor Marine Newport Shipyard LLC, of Newport, RI repairs vessels from governmental to commercial clients, including passenger ferries, fishing vessels, and marine towing vessels. They will receive $647,567 to purchase a 180-ton hydraulic self-propelled vessel transporter.”
Texas
“Lighthouse Marine LLC, of Port Bolivar, TX on the Mississippi River, is set to receive $646,157 for JLG Hybrid Telescopic Boom Lift, Grove 65-ton Rough Terrain Crane, welding machine, plasma cutter, and airless paint pump blasting and painting equipment upgrades.”
Washington
“Inventech Marine Solutions LLC, of Bremerton, WA is a production facility located 8.5 miles from the Puget Sound via the Port Orchard marina. They will receive $378,079 to purchase an electric clean paint booth with blast and spray booths and two (2) 10-ton and two (2) 5-ton overhead bridge cranes.”
“Motive Power Marine, of Tacoma, WA will receive $559,687 to support the acquisition of site electrical upgrades, electric air compressor, and a 12,000 lb. capacity telehandler.”
