Maritime Administration announces funding for 15 small shipyards

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced it had awarded grants to 15 small shipyards in 12 states as part of the Small Shipyard Grant Program

The $8.75 million in funding will help shipyards modernize, increase productivity and expand local job opportunities, officials said.

“Small shipyards are integral to the strength of America’s supply chains and the maritime industry,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “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 grants included $997,065 for Birdon America, Inc. Alabama Shipyard, LLC of Bayou La Batre, Ala., for an automated welding system; $460,500 for the James Marine, Inc., of Paducah, Ky., for the purchase of a 40-ton rough terrain crane; and more than $800,000 for shipyards in the state of Washington. Inventech Marine Solutions LLC, of Bremerton will receive $378,079 for an electric clean paint booth, while Motive Power Marine, of Tacoma, will receive $559,687 to support electrical upgrades, electric air compressors and a 12,000-pound capacity telehandler.

“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.”

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