April 20, 2016: Metal Shark Awarded 2016 MARAD Small Shipyard Grant

Jeanerette, LA  – April 20, 2016: Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has been awarded a small shipyard grant by the United States Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). Metal Shark was one of nine shipyards selected for an award from a field of 118 applicants.

Grants were awarded to U.S. shipyards with the intent to support modernization, increase productivity, and to maintain competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Metal Shark’s award, in the amount of $582,410, will be used to acquire and implement portable work shelters and marine transporters at its Franklin, Louisiana waterfront shipyard facility.

“We are honored to have been selected by MARAD for this award, especially considering the crowded field of applicants” said Metal Shark president Chris Allard. “This grant will allow Metal Shark to enhance its productivity as the company expands into new markets with larger and increasingly complex vessels. We’d like to thank MARAD for recognizing our commitment to innovation and technology as we continue to grow our business.”

In announcing the award, Congressman Charles Boustany (R-Lafayette) said, “Louisiana’s shipbuilders are renowned throughout the world for a commitment to engineering excellence and innovation. This grant will ensure that Metal Shark is fully equipped to continue to supply our armed forces, local and state governments, and many commercial partners with the high-quality product Louisiana manufacturing is known for.”

Established in 1986, Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, and its government/commercial boat entity Metal Shark Boats are leading suppliers of custom boats for defense, law enforcement, and commercial entities. Key customers include the United States Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, foreign militaries, port operators and pilot associations, fire departments, and commercial entities worldwide. From its two fully self-contained facilities in South Louisiana, Metal Shark produces a wide range of custom monohull and catamaran patrol boats, fireboats, pilot boats, passenger vessels, and other specialty vessels up to 250’. Visit the company’s website at www.metalsharkboats.com.