MARAD to award $35M in Small Shipyard Grants

MARAD Administrator Stephen M. Carmel. “This $35 million investment will empower our domestic maritime industry to modernize facilities, foster competitive operations, and equip the American worker with the skills needed to restore our nation’s maritime dominance.”

Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy announced yesterday that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking applications for $35 million in Small Shipyard Grants. This is a 300% increase on the $8.75 million awarded in 2025.

The grants will go toward:

• Upgrading ship repair and construction facilities
• Purchasing new equipment, including cranes, plasma cutters, and welding systems
• Bolstering maritime training programs to supercharge the maritime workforce

The criteria for this grant program include prioritizing projects that incorporate innovative technology.

“This 200% increase in shipyard investments underscores President Trump’s commitment to restoring America’s maritime dominance strategy,” said Secretary Duffy. ‘Revitalizing this once great industry enhances our national security, reshores good paying jobs, and ensures goods get to where they need to go affordably,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

“Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Duffy, the maritime industry is getting the resources it needs to restore U.S. strength on the seas,” said MARAD Administrator Stephen M. Carmel. “This $35 million investment will empower our domestic maritime industry to modernize facilities, foster competitive operations, and equip the American worker with the skills needed to restore our nation’s maritime dominance.”

Since 2008, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded 382 grants for $320.5 million.

Eligible shipyards must be in a single geographic location and may not have more than 1,200 production employees. Eligible shipyards must construct, repair, or reconfigure vessels 40 feet in length or greater for commercial or government use, or construct, repair, or reconfigure vessels 100 feet in length or greater for non-commercial vessels.

The Small Shipyard Grant application criteria are outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Applicants are encouraged to submit eligible projects as soon as possible but must do so by May 11, 2026.

• Download the NOFO HERE