The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration has awarded $438,690 to the Thames Shipyard & Repair Co. in New London to support the enhancement of its operations.

The money will be used to support the purchase of equipment, such as air compressors and hoses, to expand its surface preparation capabilities and achieve a greater capacity and efficiency in the size and number of vessels it is able to service.

The award was part of the $19.6 million in grants awarded to 31 small shipyards in 15 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The Thames Shipyard was the only shipyard in Connecticut to receive an award.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney had written a letter of support to Maritime Administration officials for the proposal submitted by Thames Shipyard.

“The Federal Maritime Administration’s award to Thames Shipyard and Repair demonstrates once again the deep connection eastern Connecticut has to our nation’s maritime economy,” Courtney said in a statement.

“As the Department of Defense and (Maritime Administration) have consistently reported, Connecticut ranks in the top three states in the country for shipbuilding and repair, which extends beyond Electric Boat and includes commercial yards such as Thames,” Courtney said.

“In our efforts to meet the needs of our customers, this project will help keep Thames Shipyard a leader in the commercial ship repair industry,” said shipyard owner and president John P. Wronowski.