[By MARAD]
According to a recent declaration from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. duffy, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) has allocated $8.75 million in grants aimed at revitalizing American shipyards and bolstering the nation’s maritime strength. This funding is part of the Small Shipyard Grant programme, which focuses on enhancing workforce skills, advancing technology, and supporting training initiatives that are essential for improving U.S. shipbuilding and repair capabilities.
“Rebuilding our shipyards is a crucial step in President Trump’s strategy to restore America’s maritime leadership,” stated Duffy. “This initiative will enable us to construct extraordinary vessels once more, ensuring we remain competitive against nations like China while safeguarding our freedom at sea.”
Sang Yi, Acting Maritime Administrator, emphasized that maximizing the potential of American shipyards will not only strengthen economic resilience but also enhance national security. “The Small Shipyard Grant program plays a vital role in rejuvenating our maritime sector by investing in innovative businesses that drive productivity and create jobs across various communities,” he added.
This grant initiative has been active since 2008 and has distributed 382 grants totaling over $320 million to small shipyard facilities nationwide. In this latest round of funding, 17 recipients from 12 states have been selected.
Here’s why these small shipyards matter: they are pivotal assets for both national security and economic health—employing upwards of 100,000 individuals across the country. These facilities not only contribute significantly to local job markets but also possess specialized skills ranging from custom vessel design to intricate repair services.
