U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration
Assistance to Small Shipyards
Key facts
- Open now
- None right now
- Closed for this year
- 1 grant, next round estimated
- Type of help
- Direct payment for a set purpose
- Typical award
- Awards can be in any amount up to $30,000,000.
Closed for this year
This year's round is over. GrantMe estimated the next round from last year's dates.
- FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Small Shipyard Grants · Next round: about Mar 26 – May 11, 2027 Estimate, not confirmed by the funder
What it pays for
To award grants for capital improvements and related infrastructure improvements at qualified shipyards that will facilitate the efficiency, cost effectiveness, and quality of domestic ship construction for commercial and Federal Government use.
Who can apply
Either a shipyard or a State or local government on behalf of a shipyard can apply. The shipyard must be one in a single geographical location, located in or near a maritime community, that (1) is a small business concern within the meaning of section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632); and (2) does not have more than 600 production employees. Other factors taken into account when grants are awarded will be (a) the economic circumstances and conditions of the maritime community near to which a shipyard is located; and (B) the local, State and regional economy in which such community is located.
How applications are judged
(1) How well the project will facilitate the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality of domestic ship construction for commercial and Federal Government use, and (2) the economic factors set forth in section 081 above.
Match
Public Law 110-417 provides that no more than 75 percent of a project's cost may be paid from Federal Funds
Examples of funded projects
Fiscal year 2016: Funds were awarded to Commercial Shipyards that builds and delivers or repairs completed vessels. Funds were awarded to Commercial Shipyards that builds and delivers or repairs completed vessels.
Fiscal year 2017: Awards will be made September 5, 2017.
Fiscal year 2019: Funded projects include material handling equipment such as cranes, travelifts and telehandlers. Other projects include metal working equipment such as plasma cutters, routers, lathes and welding equipment. Grants may also be used for drydocks.
Fiscal year 2023: $1,000,000 was awarded to support the purchase of a 200X70 floating dock. $830,800 was awarded to support the purchase of a 165-ton Grove GRT 9165 crane with a 205 foot boom.
Fiscal year 2024: 15 grants were awarded to 15 grantees. $8.75 million was appropriated. The projects include electrical upgrades, purchase of automated welding system and dry dock strengthening.
Fiscal year 2025: $10.7 million was awarded to support projects including equipment purchases and electrical upgrades