U.S. Department of Transportation Awards $8.75 Million to Support Small Shipyards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced $8.75 million in grant awards to 15 small shipyards across 12 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. This funding aims to help shipyards modernize, increase productivity, and expand local job opportunities while remaining competitive in the global marketplace.

“Small shipyards are integral to the strength of America’s supply chains and the maritime industry,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “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 boost our national economy.”

The shipbuilding industry plays a crucial role in enhancing the United States’ national and economic security. Beyond the direct output and employment generated, the industry supports economic activity in related sectors by purchasing inputs from other domestic industries. Across the U.S., shipbuilding provides over 100,000 jobs and contributes more than $40 billion to GDP. Since its inception in 2008, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded $311.7 million through 365 grants to nearly 200 shipyards in 33 states and territories.

“Continued investment in our small shipyards enables them to acquire the cutting-edge technologies needed to remain competitive elements of America’s maritime industry,” remarked Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “These grants stimulate economic development by boosting opportunities for good jobs in the communities where shipyards are located.”

Fiscal Year 2024 Shipyard Grant Recipients:

ALABAMA

• Birdon America, Inc. Alabama Shipyard, LLC. (Bayou La Batre, AL) – $997,065 for an automated welding system.

FLORIDA

• Gulf Marine Repair (Tampa, FL) – $997,678 for the Dry-Dock Strengthening Project to increase lift capacity and serviceability.

HAWAII

• MARISCO, Ltd. (Honolulu, HI) – $584,563 for an electric air compressor and plasma cutter.

KENTUCKY

• James Marine, Inc. (Paducah, KY) – $460,500 for a 40-ton rough terrain crane.

LOUISIANA

• C&C Marine and Repair LLC (Belle Chasse, LA) – $514,263 for a Messer CNC Plasma Cutting Table.
• Cooper Consolidated LLC, Convent-Mile 164 Shipyard (Convent, LA) – $368,440 for a Bobcat track loader, welding machines, telehandler, and backhoe tractor.

MARYLAND

• The General Ship Repair Corporation (Baltimore, MD) – $364,311 for a blast and paint shelter, ultra-high pressure water blasting unit, mist/dry-blast unit, and air dryer.

MISSISSIPPI

• Gulfship Apprenticeship LLC (Gulfport, MS) – $4,547 for a CNC machine to teach students and assist the shipyard.

OREGON

• WCT Marine & Construction, Inc. (Astoria, OR) – $874,297 for a 450-ton hydraulic self-propelled vessel transporter.

PENNSYLVANIA

• Philly Shipyard, Inc. (Philadelphia, PA) – $800,000 to support their shipyard apprentice program.
• Rhoads Industries, Inc. (Philadelphia, PA) – $552,846 for modern mechanized welding systems to expand their welding training program.

RHODE ISLAND

• Safe Harbor Marine Newport Shipyard LLC (Newport, RI) – $647,567 for a 180-ton hydraulic self-propelled vessel transporter.

TEXAS

• Lighthouse Marine LLC (Port Bolivar, TX) – $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 (Bremerton, WA) – $378,079 for an electric clean paint booth with blast and spray booths and overhead bridge cranes.

For more information, visit MARAD’s website.

These grants represent a significant investment in the future of American shipyards, ensuring their continued growth and contribution to the national economy.