The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the funding opportunity for more than $19.6 million in grants for small shipyards across the country.
As part of the Small Shipyard Grant Program, the funding would support efficiency improvements and modernizations that would keep small U.S. shipyards internationally competitive.
“America’s shipyards are a vital foundation for both our national security and our Nation’s economy. U.S.-Flag commercial vessels—built and maintained right here in the U.S.—carry not only military equipment and supplies, but many carry commercial goods in both contiguous and non-contiguous trade,” said Doug Burnett, who is the MARAD Chief Counsel who is acting in place of the Administrator.
Established in 2008, the Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded more than $243 million to U.S. shipyards through more than 260 grants. The program supports projects ranging from capital and related improvements, equipment upgrades, and maritime training programs that improve technical skills.
The grants are limited to no more than 75 percent of the estimated improvement costs and are available to U.S. shipyards with fewer than 1,200 production employees.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Applications can be found online at www.grants.gov. Grants are expected to be awarded no later than Monday, April 26, 2021.