Bremerton shipyard lands $321K federal grant

Safe Boats International in Bremerton will receive more than $321,000 in federal funding to expand workforce training as part of $5.2 million awarded to six Washington shipyards.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration awarded Safe Boats International LLC $321,474 through its fiscal year 2026 Small Shipyard Grant Program. The company plans to use the money to launch an aluminum welding and fabrication training program.

The investment includes 17 welding machines, eight welding booths, an air filtration system and training equipment such as clamps and hoists.

The Bremerton award is one of six grants announced for Washington shipyards by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

The Small Shipyard Grant Program provides funding for capital improvements, equipment modernization, facility upgrades and workforce training intended to improve the productivity and competitiveness of smaller U.S. shipyards.

Washington shipyards received a combined $5.23 million in the latest round.

Delta Marine Industries Inc. of Seattle received the largest Washington award at nearly $1.51 million for a 620-ton travelift capable of moving large vessels. BRIX Marine Inc. in Port Angeles received nearly $1.26 million for four 10-ton remote-controlled overhead cranes.

Rozema’s Boat Works Inc. in Mount Vernon received $938,176 for metal fabrication equipment, including a CNC router table, CNC press brake and mechanical shear. Arrow Launch Service Inc. in Port Angeles received $750,000 for a 75-ton travelift.

Everett Ship Repair LLC received $456,216 for electrical improvements supporting a new 35,000-ton floating drydock and training for employees on production processes.

Cantwell has advocated for increased federal investment in the Small Shipyard Grant Program and other programs aimed at strengthening the domestic maritime industry. As chair of the Commerce Committee, she helped lead the 2022 reauthorization of the Maritime Administration, which authorized $30 million for the program. Congress later increased its authorized funding by 50% as part of the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

The grants come amid broader efforts to increase U.S. shipbuilding capacity and address workforce shortages across the maritime industry. At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in October 2025, industry representatives said federal investments in equipment, infrastructure and employee training can help shipyards add workers and expand apprenticeship and career-development programs.

For Kitsap County, the Safe Boats award represents a direct federal investment in the region’s maritime manufacturing workforce, with the funding focused specifically on developing aluminum welding and fabrication skills.