MARAD Awards Nearly $20 Million in Funding to U.S. Shipyards

On July 21, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $19.6 million in grant awards to 24 small shipyards in 19 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program, with more than a fifth of the funding going to six West Coast operations.

The funds are expected to help awardees modernize, increase productivity and expand local employment opportunities to better compete in the global marketplace.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy, and small shipyards play a critical role in America’s maritime industry, helping us get the goods we depend on every day,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “These grants will help modernize small shipyards in communities across the country, creating and protecting local jobs, strengthening America’s maritime industry and securing our economic future.”

Since 2008, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded $282.2 million to nearly 300 shipyards in 32 states and territories throughout the U.S.

“They strengthen communities along and near our nation’s ports and waterways,” MARAD said in a statement about the grants. “Many small shipyards are family-run businesses – and they are all enterprises in which small investments can make big differences.”

“These grants will allow small businesses to do what they do best, which is to build essential infrastructure while creating long-term and well-paying jobs for Americans,” Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips said. “Better equipment means increased productivity and more ships and watercraft moving through our small shipyards. Growing this industry further supports and strengthens our domestic maritime industry.”

Below is a complete list of the Fiscal Year 2022 shipyard grant recipients based on the West Coast:

ALASKA

Catalyst Marine Engineering of Seward, Alaska, is to receive $418,903 to support the purchase of two welding units and one propulsion unit. These units are designed to be comprehensive, mobile shipyard repair and service platforms that support a variety of activities at one time, in multiple locations.

“This flexibility will allow crews to be dispatched to different ports at the same time and allow for expanded revenue and an increase in employee base and training,” MARAD said in a statement.

CALIFORNIA

Bay Marine Boatworks, Inc. of Richmond, Calif., will receive $875,968 to support the purchase of a 100-ton marine travel lift and a TM60 model self-propelled vessel transporter.

OREGON

Blackfish Solutions, LLC dba ReconCraft, of Estacada, Ore., is receiving $638,667 to support the purchase and installation of new overhead 25-ton cranes and rigging to fully maximize this space’s functionality and utility. The funding also will support the acquisition of additional welding equipment.

Shaver Transportation Co. of Portland, Ore., was awarded $649,638 for its new shipyard electrification project, which includes electrical upgrades, an 18-ton pedestal mounted electric crane and installation of solar energy system.

WASHINGTON

Ice Floe, LLC dba Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Wash. has been awarded $1,234,408 to support the purchase and installation of a one-sided welder to include a material handling conveyor system and transitional magnetic bed.

Also, SAFE Boats International, located in Bremerton, Wash., is to receive $716,983 to support the modernization of their facility, acquiring an 80-ton self-propelled vessel transporter, new aluminum welding equipment and mobile lifting equipment, to include an extended reach forklift, scissor lift and large forklift.