The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded $35.1 million to support infrastructure improvements and workforce development at 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
According to MARAD, the Small Shipyard Grant Program received a 300% funding increase in 2026 following the Executive Order to Restore America’s Maritime Dominance. The investments are intended to help shipyards modernize equipment, improve facilities and train the next generation of maritime workers.
Examples of funded projects include:
- $1,007,678 to Gulf Marine Repair Corporation in Tampa, Florida, for training equipment, wheel loaders and upgrades to three berths.
- $1 million to Robert E. Derecktor, Inc. in Mamaroneck, New York, for an offshore marine crane.
- $991,565 to Carlisle & Bray Hebron Shipyard in Hebron, Kentucky, for a floating drydock.
- $387,745 to Signet Maritime Corporation in Pascagoula, Mississippi, for cutting, welding and lifting equipment.
- $321,474 to SAFE Boats International in Bremerton, Washington, for welding equipment supporting its aluminum fabrication training program.
Investments in shipyard capacity are important not only for vessel construction and repair, but also for the owners planning conversions, repowers, regulatory retrofits and vessel-life-extension projects. Expanded facilities and modern equipment can help support more efficient project execution throughout the U.S. maritime industry.
Read the full MARAD announcement.