US small shipyards awarded USD 8.75 million in small federal grants
Small grants are aimed at bringing America’s small shipyards into the 21st century (Source: MARAD)
Seventeen small shipyards across 12 US states have received a total of USD 8.75 million in funding through the US Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Small Shipyard Grant Program for 2025.
This year’s awards include USD 427,000 to Master Boat Builders in Alabama for training equipment; USD 617,000 to St. Johns Ship Building, Inc. in Florida for a 110-tonne crane; and USD 817,000 to Breaux’s Bay Craft in Louisiana for a 200-tonne Marine Travelift; JamesBuilt, LLC of Calvert City, Kentucky, will receive USD 599,130 for a 65-tonne rough terrain crane.
Fraser Shipyards in Wisconsin also received USD 817,000 for a 130 tonne crane, while Snow & Company, Inc. in Washington was granted a similar sum to acquire a CNC press brake and deburring machine.
Bay Ship & Yacht of Alameda, California, and Texas’ Conrad Orange Shipyard, are receiving USD 418,200 and USD 388,777 respectively for CNC plasma arc and gas-cutting equipment.
The grants will support investment in cranes, welding tools, CNC cutters and training programmes to modernise facilities and improve productivity. Since its launch in 2008, the initiative has awarded over USD 320 million through 382 grants.
"Unleashing the full power of America's shipyards will boost our economic strength and national security," said acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi. "The Small Shipyard Grant program is revitalising America’s maritime industry by investing in businesses that spur innovation, improve productivity, and fuel job creation in communities around the country."
"President Trump’s plan to reclaim maritime dominance starts with rebuilding America’s shipyards," said US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "This program will help America to build big, beautiful ships again to counter Chinese competition and maintain freedom on the seas."
