US MARAD News

Administrator's Challenge: Resetting Maritime Competition, $1,500 Prize, May 8 Deadline

MARAD has announced 'The Administrator's Challenge: Resetting the Terms of Competition,' inviting currently enrolled students at federal and state maritime academies to submit written proposals answering a single question: how can the United States achieve maritime dominance by redefining the system itself rather than competing on terms set by others? Submissions are due by May 8, 2026 at 9:00 P.M. EST via email and must not exceed 15 pages, formatted in 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced. The winning entry will receive a $1,500 check and an invitation to present at the National Maritime Day Celebration in Washington, D.C.

MARAD $35M Small Shipyard Grant Program Deadline May 11

The Maritime Administration announced $35 million in grants for small shipyard revitalization, representing a 300% funding increase over prior years under the Small Shipyard Grant Program. Applications must be submitted by May 11, 2026 through Grants.gov. Eligible shipyards must operate at a single geographic location with no more than 1,200 production employees and must construct, repair, or reconfigure vessels at least 40 feet in length for commercial or government use, or 100 feet for non-commercial vessels.

MARAD Awards $13.28M Across 11 U.S. Marine Highway Projects in Seven States

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration invested $13,280,351 in 11 marine highway projects across seven states through the U.S. Marine Highway Program. The funding supports public and private partners in developing supply chains on marine highway routes, including waste transportation in Oregon and barge dock improvements in Pennsylvania. Recipients must comply with and implement all requirements of the 'Buy America, Build America' provisions under the Trump Administration's America First agenda.