Today, the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced awards for the 2024 round of Small Shipyard Grants. This round included $8.75 million in awards, the lowest total since 2016. As anticipated, average award amounts dropped to $583,030 for the 15 awards made.
The grants, announced on July 10, were awarded to 15 projects from 12 states. Projects awarded ranged from mobile transporters to cranes, computer-numerical control (CNC) machines, and worker training programs. Congrats to all awardees.
Small Shipyard Grants by the numbers
Of the awards issued this year, there are some notable characteristics. They include:
MARAD awarded 15 awards, with an average award amount of $583k
The largest award was $997,678 to Gulf Marine Repair in Tampa, FL.
The smallest award was $4,547, to Gulfship Apprenticeship, LLC in MS.
Awarded projects range from haulout equipment (1) to cranes and mobile equipment (6) to shop equipment (6) to worker training programs (3). Some awards included multiple project types.
Shipyards all over the country received awards, except, notably, the Great Lakes region. These include the Gulf region (4), Mid-Atlantic (3), Pacific Northwest (3), Inland waterways (3), Noncontiguous (1), Northeast (1), and the Great Lakes (0).
How can you prepare for the next round of Small Shipyard Grants now?
As Congress continues to support funding for the Small Shipyard Grant Program, it is anticipated that small shipyards will once again have the opportunity to apply for grants next year. Below are three ways that you can prepare for the next round of grants.
Join the Coalition: work with us to help promote funding for the next round of grants. Small Shipyard Grant Coalition Members received 30% of the awards this round.
Start planning early: these grant applications can take time to develop, so start thinking through your desired projects and collecting the necessary information for your application.
Consult a grant writing consultant early: if you seek support from experienced consultants, reach out early-- as many of us reached peak capacity early this round.
Working together, small shipyards can continue to support the future of our maritime communities.
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