Federal grants for ports and small shipyards are now available through multiple U.S. Department of Transportation and Maritime Administration programs. For Fiscal Year 2026, nearly $525 million has been made available to support port infrastructure improvements, freight efficiency, and shipyard capital investments nationwide.
Our team works with ports and maritime clients through every phase of the grant lifecycle, from early project planning and grant strategy to application development and post-award implementation. This approach helps position projects for success in highly competitive funding programs.
FY 2026 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) and Federal Grants for Ports
The Port Infrastructure Development Program is one of the primary federal grants for ports, supporting port authorities and industry stakeholders in addressing critical freight transportation needs and preparing infrastructure for projected growth in freight volumes. Additionally, funding is available for both planning and capital projects, and eligibility extends to ports in both urban and rural locations. The program also includes a statutory set‑aside specifically for small ports.
Program highlights include:
- Total discretionary funding available: $488,628,000
- Funding source: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and FY 2026 Appropriations
- Eligible projects: Port planning and capital improvements
- Eligible applicants: Public port authorities, state and local governments, and other eligible entities
- Application Deadline: June 1, 2026 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT
More information, including the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), is available here.
FY 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program
The Small Shipyard Grant Program provides funding to qualified small shipyards to support capital improvements and maritime workforce development. The FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity has been released by the Maritime Administration and continues to focus on strengthening the domestic shipyard industrial base.
Key program details include:
- Total funding available: $35,000,000
- Authorized by: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (Pub. L. 119-75)
- Eligible uses of funds:
- Capital equipment and qualified improvements
- Workforce and maritime training programs
- Application Deadline: May 11, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EDT
Grant applications must be submitted through Grants.gov under Funding Opportunity Number DTMASSG26.
Program details and the full NOFO are available here.
FY 2025 United States Marine Highway Program Update
The Maritime Administration has announced the FY 2025 United States Marine Highway Program grant awardees. Specifically, this program supports projects that shift freight from congested landside transportation corridors to navigable waterways, helping improve system efficiency and reduce congestion.
A complete list of FY 2025 awardees is available here.
How We Support Port and Maritime Grant Success
Federal maritime grant programs continue to grow more competitive and require strong alignment with program priorities, project readiness, and detailed technical documentation. We support clients pursuing federal grants for ports and maritime infrastructure through every stage of the grant process, including:
- Early project planning and grant eligibility evaluation
- Grant strategy development and program positioning
- Benefit-cost analysis and technical narratives
- Application preparation and submission support
- Post-award implementation and compliance assistance
As federal grants for ports and small shipyards continue to expand in FY 2026, early planning and strategic alignment remain critical to securing competitive funding. Whether planning future infrastructure investments or advancing shovel-ready projects, we help clients turn funding opportunities into built solutions.
Successfully pursuing federal grants requires more than tracking open programs. It requires informed decision‑making and long‑term planning. Through video insights from professionals, Navigating Strategic Grant Funding explores common challenges, best practices, and strategic considerations that ports and small shipyards should address when planning for federal funding opportunities.
Related News and Events
Turning Vision Into Funding: Supporting Great Lakes Ports Through $47 Million in FY25 PIDP Investment
