Vessel Repair of Port Arthur will receive a grant of $1,360,531 from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, DOT announced Monday.

In an issued statement, DOT said the money would go toward Vessel Repair acquiring and constructing a new dry dock “to allow the facility to promote more efficient and competitive shipyard services.”

MARAD has awarded some $226 million in Small Shipyard Grants since 2008. Small Shipyard Grants fund employee training and related improvements.

“Small shipyards are an irreplaceable aspect of America’s shipbuilding industry,” said Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby, in announcing the grant. “They are a key component to national security and our economic viability as a whole, providing good jobs for hardworking Americans.”

Vessel Repair, located on the Sabine Neches Ship Channel, focuses on marine repair. The company docks and repairs deeper draft vessels as well as inland vessels, its website says.

DOT also said Port Bolivar Marine Service Inc., will receive a grant of $390,451 to purchase equipment for building and repairing ships.

No one at Vessel Repair was available to discuss the grant Monday afternoon.