(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) has awarded $8.75 million to 15 small shipyards in 12 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funds will help shipyards modernize, increase productivity, and expand local job opportunities while competing in the global marketplace.
The shipbuilding industry enhances the United States’ national and economic security. In addition to the direct output and employment the industry generates, companies in the shipbuilding and repairing industry purchase inputs from other domestic industries, contributing to economic activity in those sectors.
Across the United States, shipbuilding directly provides over 100,000 jobs and over $40 billion in gross domestic product (GDP). Since 2008, MarAd’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded $311.7 million in 365 grants to nearly 200 shipyards in 33 states and U.S. 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,” said Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “These grants stimulate economic development by boosting opportunities for good jobs in the communities where shipyards are located.”
Shipyard grant recipients in fiscal year 2024:
Alabama
Birdon America Inc., Alabama Shipyard LLC of Bayou La Batre will receive $997,065 to support the purchase of an automated welding system.
Florida
Gulf Marine Repair of Tampa services government, commercial and noncommercial vessels in the South Florida region. It will receive $997,678 for its strengthening project of the A.W. Hendry dry dock to increase lift capacity and serviceability.
Hawaii
Marisco Ltd. of Honolulu will receive $584,563 to purchase an electric air compressor and plasma cutter.
Kentucky
James Marine Inc. of Paducah, 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, 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 will receive $368,440 to purchase a Bobcat track loader, four welding machines, 9,000-pound capacity telehandler, and a backhoe tractor.
Maryland
The General Ship Repair Corp. of Baltimore is one of the largest commercial shipyards in Maryland. It 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 is a manufacturing facility and small shipyard. It will receive $4,547 to procure a CNC machine to teach students and assist the shipyard.
Oregon
WCT Marine & Construction Inc. of Astoria will receive $874,297 to purchase a 450-ton hydraulic self-propelled vessel transporter.
Pennsylvania
Philly Shipyard of Philadelphia will receive $800,000 to support its shipyard apprentice program.
Rhoads Industries Inc. of Philadelphia will receive $552,846 to support the expansion of its standard welding training program, adding modern mechanized welding systems.
Rhode Island
Safe Harbor Marine Newport Shipyard LLC of Newport repairs vessels for government and commercial clients, including passenger ferries, fishing vessels and marine towing vessels. It will receive $647,567 to purchase a 180-ton hydraulic self-propelled vessel transporter.
Texas
Lighthouse Marine LLC of Port Bolivar, on the Mississippi River, is set to receive $646,157 for a JLG hybrid telescopic boom lift, Grove 65-ton rough terrain crane, welding machine, plasma cutter and airless paint pump.
Washington
Inventech Marine Solutions LLC of Bremerton is a production facility located 8.5 miles from Puget Sound via the Port Orchard marina. It will receive $378,079 to purchase an electric clean paint unit with blast and spray booths, and two 10-ton and two 5-ton overhead bridge cranes.
Motive Power Marine of Tacoma will receive $559,687 to support site electrical upgrades and to acquire an electric air compressor and 12,000-pound-capacity telehandler.
– U.S. Maritime Administration
