The US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) has earmarked $19.6m for 24 small shipyards in 19 states.

The funds will be used to carry out upgrades that will boost productivity and extend local employment opportunities.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The funding has been allocated to Alabama-based Blakely Boatworks, Alaska-based Catalyst Marine Engineering and California’s Bay Marine Boatworks, as well as International Ship Repair & Marine Service and Patti Marine Enterprises in Florida.

Grants were also provided to Louisiana-headquartered Turn Services, Massachusetts-based Duclos Corporation dba Gladding Hearn, Maryland’s Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Michigan-based Moran Iron Works, and ST Engineering Halter Marine and Offshore in Mississippi.

Missouri’s Arcosa Marine Products, New Jersey-based Dorchester Shipyard and New York’s May Ship Repair Contracting, as well as McGinnis and the Great Lakes Towing Company in Ohio also received funds.

Other awardees include Oregon-based Blackfish Solutions and Shaver Transportation, Rhode Island-based Blount Boats, South Carolina’s Detyens Shipyards, Virginia’s Fairlead Boatworks, and Wisconsin-based Fincantieri Marine Group, as well as Ice Floe, LLC dba Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and SAFE Boats International in Washington.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The latest funds were granted as part of the Small Shipyard Grant Programme.

MARAD has allocated $282.2m to around 300 shipyards in 32 US states and territories under the programme since 2008.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said: “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.

“These grants will help modernise small shipyards in communities across the country, creating and protecting local jobs, strengthening America’s maritime industry, and securing our economic future.”

In May, MARAD awarded an additional $234.3m for the Port Infrastructure Development Programme (PIDP).

Ship Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Ship Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
From automated chartering invoices to EU ETS and CII management, Ankeri Solutions’ maritime SaaS platform has earned three Ship Technology Excellence Awards for 2025. See how Ankeri is helping shipowners and charterers boost efficiency, cut emissions, and collaborate better across complex global fleets.

Discover the Impact