The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced $35.1 million in Small Shipyard Grant Program awards to 45 shipyards in 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The grants will support equipment purchases, facility improvements, and workforce training intended to increase productivity and strengthen America’s shipbuilding and vessel-repair capabilities.
Ten PVA members were selected to receive 2026 grants:
- Steiner Construction Company, Bayou La Batre, Ala.
- Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, Falmouth, Mass.
- Champion’s Auto Ferry, Algonac, Mich.
- Derecktor Shipyard, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
- Lake Champlain Transportation Company, Burlington, Vt.
- Arrow Launch Service, Port Angeles, Wash.
- BRIX Marine, Port Angeles, Wash.
- Rozema Boat Works, Mount Vernon, Wash.
- Burger Boat Company, Manitowoc, Wis.
- Fincantieri Marine Group/Bay Shipbuilding, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
The awards will fund projects ranging from cranes, marine travel lifts, and production machinery to engineering technology and employee training.
The strong participation by PVA members demonstrates the importance of this program to the passenger vessel industry and the shipyards that build, maintain, and repair its vessels. Funding for the program increased from $8.75 million in fiscal year 2025 to more than $35 million in 2026.
PVA made support for the Small Shipyard Grant Program a major focus of its annual Congressional Fly-In in April. PVA members discussed the program directly with congressional offices and urged lawmakers to provide robust funding for shipyard equipment, infrastructure and workforce development. The significant increase in funding—and the number of PVA members receiving awards—represents an important success for PVA’s advocacy efforts.
The complete list of recipients and projects is available on MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grants webpage.