Gulf Coast shipyards expand to meet rising commercial and military demand

Gulf Coast Tier II shipyards like Austal USA, Birdon, Main Iron Works, Silver Ships, and Steiner Shipyard are expanding and modernizing to meet growing demand. Doug Stewart photos.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this year aimed at rebuilding the U.S. shipbuilding industry. Rebuild? Tier II shipbuilders have been producing aluminum and steel military and commercial workboats for decades, while a few Tier I shipyards have been building mostly warships.

The order calls for federal investment in American shipyards and the maritime workforce and outlines a new Maritime Action Plan to be coordinated by the Maritime Administration. The plan includes the establishment of a Maritime Security Trust Fund, shipbuilding tax incentives, and the launch of strategic commercial fleet programs. Go to this link to read the full article published by WorkBoat https://www.workboat.com/shipyards-are-moving-forward-with-expansion-to-meet-both-commercial-and-military-needs