Across the country, smaller-scale shipyards received news that they would be receiving funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to the tune of $19.6 million. These discretionary grants have been awarded to 24 shipyards through the Small Shipyard Grant Program.
The goal of the influx of cash is to help modernize the nation’s smaller shipyards to help make them more efficient in the construction of commercial vessels. Many of the projects being funded by the program focus on efficiency, reconfiguration and repair, improving construction quality, and new equipment.
These shipyards employ nearly 400,000 people, working primarily in the skilled trades. All-in-all they contribute $25.1 billion to labor income and $37.3 billion to the GDP. This grant comes at the perfect time as many companies, regardless of industry, are facing the struggles associated with the global coronavirus pandemic.
State-by-state, here is how the funds will be distributed:
Alabama – In Mobile, AL two shipyards will receive over $900,000 of funding. Alabama Shipyard, LLC plans to upgrade four of their gravel trucks with new assemblies on a 150-ton portal crane. Blakley BoatWorks, Inc. will be installing a 500-ton press brake, adding new welding machines, overhead cranes, and man lifts.
California – In Vallejo, CA, Mare Island Dry Dock will be receiving just over $1 million for a new 165-ton rough terrain crane, critical to their ship repair and dry docking operations.
Florida – Tampa’s Gulf Marine Repair Corporation will be investing almost $700,000 in a new CNC plasma cutting machine and a 100-ton rough terrain crane. Both pieces of equipment will help in their repair and conversion work of large ocean-going commercial vessels.
Hawaii – In Kapolei, HI, Marisco, Ltd. Will be investing $745,000 in a new blast and painting booth.
Louisiana – In Belle Chasse, LA, C&C Marine and Repair, LLC will receive just under $1 million to install a new 275-ton crawler crane. Over in Convent, LA we will see Cooper Consolidated, LLC use $1.2 million for a new 620-ton marine travelift.
Maryland – Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp. of Salisbury, MD will be purchasing a 130-ton rough terrain crane for $830,000.
Michigan – The Mackinaw Island Farry Company in St. Ignace, MI, will invest over $750,000 of grant money into new welding equipment and a travellift.
Mississippi – In Pascagoula, MS, VT Halter Marine plans to invest nearly $1.7 million into a new 1,250 press brake.
New York – Smith Boys Marine Sales, Inc. of North Tonowanda, NY, will be receiving just over $300,00 in MARAD funds to purchase a new transporter and CNC plasma cutter.
Ohio – In Cleaveland, OH, the Great Lakes Towing Company plans to spend their $1.4 million of grant money on a new 820-ton travellift.
Oregon – Almost 10% of the grant will be going to Oregon to help 2 companies. WCT Marine & Construction, Inc. of Astoria, OR will use nearly $600,000 to create a new enclosed work structure, add a new filtration system, and install a new work pad with drainage. In Portland, OR, Diversified Marine will be investing over $1.2 million in a 275-ton crawler crane.
Pennsylvania – Philadelphia’s own Philly Shipyard, Inc. plans to spend their $640,000 grant funding on a new messer system.
Rhode Island – In North Kingstown, RI, the J. Goodison Company will invest over $500,000 into a rough terrain crane project.
South Carolina – Nearly $500,000 has been awarded to Metal Trades, Inc. of Hollywood, SC, which the company plans to use on a new 55-ton grove all terrain crane and three skytrak telehandler forklifts.
Texas – In Corpus Christi, TX, employee-owned company Gulf Copper Ship Repair, Inc. will receive over $400,000 to install a new 110-ton crane. Not too far from here in Houston, TX, Bludworth Marine, LLC will invest $1.3 million into a 275-ton crawler crane.
Virginia – Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. of Norfolk, VA will be investing nearly $800,000 into new welding machines for their team.
Washington – The Evergreen State will receive just over $1 million divided among 2 shipyards. Mavrik Marine, Inc. of La Conner, WA will use their portion to invest in a new bridge crane, welding system, and compressor while SAFE Boats International, LLC of Bremerton, WA will purchase a new router and press brake.
Wisconsin – In Superior, WI, Fraser Shipyards, Inc. will receive nearly $800,000 which the company plans to invest in improving their steel brake processing and overhead material handling.
New equipment and new projects are both a great sign for new jobs which are always needed in the maritime industry. Ameri-Force is happy to be working with several of the companies listed to ensure the most skilled tradesmen are working with them in the manufacture and repair of commercial and Naval vessels.
Ben Enman is the Director of Sales for Ameri-Force. Ben has worked in the maritime industry since 2011 and is well-known among the nation’s leading ship builders. Ben gained field experience as a Regional Manager overseeing several branch locations and has traveled the nation as Director of Sales since 2018.
