Marad grants to GC small shipyards

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (Marad) announced April 26 it had awarded $19.6M in grants to 31 small shipyards in 15 states – including four Gulf Coast ones - through its Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funds are designed to assist small shipyards to modernize, increase productivity, and expand local employment while competing in the global marketplace. Smaller shipyards are essential parts of the maritime industrial base that employ thousands of people. The program supports economic competitiveness through grants that can be used to purchase equipment or train employees. The list of small shipyards in Alabama include: Master Boat Builders Inc., Coden, will receive $497,464 to support the purchase of two 30-ton mobile cranes and two extendable boom forklifts; Steiner Shipbuilding., Bayou La Batre, will receive $419,507 to support the purchase of a forklift, 300-ton press brake, manlift, and other equipment that will improve the efficiency of ship construction and repair activities at the facility. In NW Florida, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Panama City, will receive $522,318 to support the purchase of several pieces of equipment that will improve the efficiency of ship construction and repair activities at the facility. In Louisiana, Bollinger Marine Fabricators, Amelia, will receive $1,122,216 to support the purchase of a blast and paint plate preservation line machine; C&C Marine and Repair, Belle Chasse, will receive $748,959 in funding to support the purchase of welding enhancements and additional forklifts; Conrad Shipyard, Amelia, will receive $432,376 to support the purchase of two portable shelters for a Fabrication/Pipe work area and a Blast/Paint work area; Gulf Island Shipyards, Houma, will receive $312,802 in funding to add automated pipe spool welding to its pipe spooling/fabrication shop. In Mississippi, Omega Shipyard., Moss Point, will receive $126,105 to support the purchase of a telescoping forklift and blasting pot. (Source: Work Boat 04/26/29) Marad awards $20 million in grants to 31 small shipyards | WorkBoat