MARAD awards shipyards $19.6M in grants

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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently awarded $19.6 million in grant awards to 31 small shipyards in 15 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program.

Funds are to be used to modernize shipyards, increase productivity, and expand local employment opportunities. This includes training employees and purchasing equipment.

Small shipyards employ thousands nationwide, many of which are family-run businesses.

“These grants will help small businesses do what they do best: build essential infrastructure while creating long-term jobs for American workers,” Lucinda Lessley, acting maritime administrator, said. “Better equipment means increased productivity and more ships moving through our small shipyards—and more ships mean more local jobs.”

The largest awards are:

Stevens Towing Co. in Yonges Island, S.C., will receive $1.4 million toward purchasing an 820-metric ton travelift. The equipment will help the 108-year-old shipyard work toward zero emissions in its North Yard.

St. Johns Ship Building in Palatka, Fla., will receive $1.3 million toward the construction of a 2,000-ton dry-dock.

Bollinger Marine Fabricators in Amelia, La., will receive $1.1 million toward purchasing a blast and paint plate preservation line machine.

MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded $262.5 million to nearly 300 shipyards in 32 states and territories nationwide since 2008.