The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has allocated $8.75 million in grants to 15 small shipyards across 12 states. These grants, part of the Small Shipyard Grant Program, aim to modernize facilities, increase productivity, and expand job opportunities.
Key Beneficiaries and Projects
- Birdon America Inc., Alabama: Awarded $997,065 for an automated welding system.
- Gulf Marine Repair, Florida: Granted $997,678 for the Dry-Dock Strengthening Project to enhance lift capacity.
- Marisco Ltd., Hawaii: Receives $584,563 for an electric air compressor and plasma cutter.
- James Marine Inc., Kentucky: Gains $460,500 for a 40-ton rough-terrain crane.
- C&C Marine and Repair LLC, Louisiana: Awarded $514,263 for a CNC Plasma Cutting Table.
- Cooper Consolidated LLC, Louisiana: Receives $368,440 for various machinery including a Bobcat track loader and welding machines.
- The General Ship Repair Corporation, Maryland: Gets $364,311 for a blast and paint shelter and other equipment.
- Gulfship Apprenticeship LLC, Mississippi: Granted $4,547 for a CNC machine for educational and operational purposes.
- WCT Marine & Construction Inc., Oregon: Receives $874,297 for a 450-ton hydraulic self-propelled vessel transporter.
- Philly Shipyard Inc., Pennsylvania: Awarded $800,000 for their apprentice program.
- Rhoads Industries Inc., Pennsylvania: Gains $552,846 for expanding their welding training program.
- Safe Harbor Marine Newport Shipyard LLC, Rhode Island: Granted $647,567 for a 180-ton hydraulic self-propelled vessel transporter.
- Lighthouse Marine LLC, Texas: Receives $646,157 for equipment upgrades including a telescopic boom lift and crane.
- Inventech Marine Solutions LLC, Washington: Gets $378,079 for an electric clean paint booth and overhead bridge cranes.
- Motive Power Marine, Washington: Awarded $559,687 for electrical upgrades and a telehandler.
Strategic Importance
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the strategic importance of small shipyards, stating, “Small shipyards are integral to the strength of America’s supply chains and the maritime industry.” He noted that the funding will create jobs, strengthen the commercial fleet, and boost the national economy.
Since 2008, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded $311.7 million through 365 grants to nearly 200 shipyards in 33 states and territories. This consistent investment ensures that small shipyards can adopt cutting-edge technologies, thereby maintaining their competitive edge in the maritime industry.
Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips highlighted the economic impact of these grants, noting, “These grants stimulate economic development by boosting opportunities for good jobs in the communities where shipyards are located.”
These grants are not only about modernizing shipyards but also about sustaining and growing the local economies they are part of, ensuring a robust and competitive maritime industry in the U.S.
Source:
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/8-75-million-awarded-in-small-shipyard-grants-for-2024
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