JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MarAd) announced grants totaling $9.46 million to help improve 12 shipyards in 10 states.  The grants, provided through the Small Shipyard Grant Program, foster efficiency and modernizations that allow shipyards to improve their production processes.

Acting Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen made the announcement at Jeffboat, LLC, one of the grant recipients, located in Jeffersonville, IN.
 
“Improvements at our shipyards mean more ships can be built right here in the United States, which means more jobs for hard-working Americans,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “These grants are about creating new opportunities in our local communities, as well as competing in the global economy.”
 
The Small Shipyard Grant Program remains popular among shipyards. This year’s round of awards drew 113 grant applications requesting $96 million in assistance—more than 10 times the funding that was available.  The grants fund a variety of projects including infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades to increase operational competitiveness and quality vessel construction.
 
Shipyards across the nation continue to create new jobs and strengthen local economies.  Since 2009, the Obama administration has provided more than $150 million to help U.S. shipyards and their workers reap the benefits of increased production capabilities delivered by emerging technologies and highly skilled workers.
 
Jeffboat, LLC, Jeffersonville, IN, received an $845,817 grant that will allow it to adjust the width and orientation of one of its vessel production lines, helping the facility to enhance efficiency.  The Jeffboat facility has four production lines that are used for the construction of barges ranging in size from river hopper barges to 52,000 barrel tank barges.
 
“It is no secret that the economic ripple effect of our nation’s shipyards is far-reaching,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen. “While shipyards improve their infrastructure, they’re also creating new opportunities in industries and communities across the country.”

Besides Jeffboat, the list of recipients included:
 
•    All American Marine, Bellingham, WA – $999,100 for overhead cranes, welding machines, CNC router, scissors lifts, painting area upgrades, ventilation upgrades.

•    Blount Boats, Warren, RI – $680,272 for metal working equipment, engineering software, big top portable work shelter, material handling enhancements.

•    C&C Marine and Repair, Belle Chasse, LA – $999,920 for a 220-ton hydraulic crane.

•    Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp., Salisbury, MD – $559,686 for industrial gas system, compressed air system, mobile crane.

•    Conrad Orange Shipyard, Orange, TX – $686,539 for shipyard electrical upgrades.

•    Dorchester Shipyard, Inc., Dorchester, NJ – $945,800 for a new floating dry dock.

•    International Ship and Repair & Marine Services, Tampa, FL – $980,260 for a 275-ton crawler crane.

•    Lyon Shipyard, Norfolk, VA– $779,168 for computer numerically controlled (CNC) lathe.

•    North Florida Shipyard, Jacksonville, FL – $459,160 for waste water treatment and recycling system.

•    Seacraft Shipyard, LLC, Amelia, LA – $1,100,000 for a marine travelift.

•    Thames Shipyard and Repair Co., New London, CT – $422,264 for flow UHP (ultra-high pressure) system.