The Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently opened the application period for the Small Shipyard Grant Program.
This round will award $35 million. Applications are due May 11.
The program provides funding for small shipyard projects that make capital and related improvements or for projects that train workers in shipbuilding, ship repair and associated industries. Funding can be used for purchasing new equipment such as cranes, plasma cutters, and welding systems; maritime training programs; and upgrading ship repair and construction facilities.
The program was designed to support projects that drive efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration across the industry. The department will select projects based on multiple criteria including prioritizing projects that incorporate innovative technology.
“This $35 million investment will empower our domestic maritime industry to modernize facilities, foster competitive operations, and equip the American worker with the skills needed to restore our nation’s maritime dominance,” Stephen Carmel, MARAD administrator, said.
Eligible shipyards must be in a single geographic location, have more than 1,200 production employees and construct, repair or reconfigure vessels 40 feet in length or greater for commercial or government use, or construct, repair or reconfigure vessels 100 feet in length or greater for noncommercial vessels.