– Dominion Energy launched the US’ first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) named Charybdis
– The vessel was constructed using domestically-sourced steel at the Brownsville, Texas shipyard of Seatrium
– The vessel launch marked a historical achievement as the world’s largest completed lift totaling 23,000 tons
Dominion Energy has successfully launched Charybdis, the US’ first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), marking a significant milestone in the vessel’s construction. This vessel will be crucial for the growth of the offshore wind industry on the US East Coast, providing a domestic solution for turbine installation. The vessel is being built using domestically-sourced steel at a shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, and will be based in Hampton Roads, a key offshore wind installation harbor. The project has created over 1200 jobs at its peak, benefitting local communities and the US offshore wind industry.
Seatrium’s AmFELS shipyard has partnered with Dominion Energy in this project, emphasizing the importance of a US-built vessel for the country’s energy transition. The vessel’s fabrication involved over 14,000 tons of domestic steel, with a significant portion sourced from states like Alabama, West Virginia, and North Carolina. The vessel’s design allows it to handle turbines of 12 MW or larger, making it a crucial asset for the offshore wind sector. With the final construction air permit received, offshore monopile installation is set to begin in May, marking progress in the CVOW project.
The completion of Charybdis represents a significant step towards reliable, affordable, and clean energy in the US, while also creating job opportunities and local expertise in the offshore wind industry. This achievement highlights the commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the development of a strong domestic supply chain for the renewables sector.