"We're proud to announce this funding to help ports improve their infrastructure - to get goods moving more efficiently and help keep costs under control for American families," said US transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Mr Puttigieg declared President Joe Biden "is leading the largest-ever federal investment in modernising our country's ports, which will improve our supply chains and the lives of Americans who depend on them."

Applicants must show that their projects would improve the movement of goods through ports and comply with Biden administration goals.

Applications are due May 16, with awards expected to be announced in the fall.

Major US ports are eligible for the new funds announced, though 25 per cent of the investment will be allocated for smaller ports.