Congressman Weber Issues MARAD Small Shipyard Grant
Texas 14th Congressional District Congressman Randy Weber visits Gulf Copper Manufacturing Galveston Shipyard on October 23, 2018. Gulf Copper was recently awarded the MARAD Small Shipyard Grant.
The MARAD Small Shipyard Grant will help Gulf Copper cultivate efficiency, quality ship construction, and repairs at our Galveston Facilities:
- Gulf Copper Dry Dock & Rig Repair was awarded a Small Shipyard Grant for the amount of $1,296,820. Gulf Copper will match the grant amount for the purpose of constructing a new Dry Dock with the capabilities of safely docking 4500-ton vessels efficiently.
- This 4500-ton Dry Dock project will not replace any existing equipment. However, it will make major capital improvements to expand the use of two, U.S. built, 79 ft. x 116 ft. x 12 ft. Dry Dock pontoon sections that have been refurbished and are currently used for marine repair work. It is the intent to join these two sections with a 10-foot transition piece to create a dry dock with dimensions of 216 ft. x 116 ft. x 12 ft. and a lift capacity of 4500 tons. This will require building two new wing walls 27 ft. high and 8 ft. wide allowing a width between wing walls of 100 ft. The total cost of the project combined will be approximately $2,953,640 respectively.
- By producing a Dry Dock of this size, Gulf Copper will create ample business opportunities in the shallow water market such as, Ferry Boats, Harbor Tugs and Inland barges. Along with additional work awarded comes more employment opportunities for our community.
Congressman Randy Weber said, “The work Gulf Copper contributes to the oil and gas, maritime transportation, refining, and petrochemical industries is critically important to the upper Texas Gulf Coast and our nation. With a view toward safety and efficiency, Gulf Copper is a terrific recipient for the MARAD Small Shipyard grant. Our local community and off-shore community benefit greatly from the services provided by Gulf Copper.”
“We pride ourselves in creating growth opportunities and working with the Galveston community to provide a brighter and sustaining future,” said Craig Marston, General Manager, Gulf Copper Galveston Shipyard.
For additional information or inquiries, please contact Craig Marston, Craig.Marston@GulfCopper.com.