First U.S Built Wind Turbine Installation Vessel Begins Sea Trials

The U.S. is making history with Charybdis, its first domestically built Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV). Now 96% complete, the vessel has begun sea trials.

Built by Seatrium at its Texas shipyard, Charybdis is designed to support large-scale offshore wind projects while complying with the Jones Act.

Recent trials tested the vessel’s jacking system and massive 426-foot crane, which boasts a lifting capacity of 2,200 tonnes—essential for installing next-gen wind turbines.

This powerhouse will play a key role in Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, which aims to be operational by 2026.

Originally budgeted between $500M and $625M, costs have soared to $715M. Yet, Dominion Energy assures that the overall wind project remains within budget.

Offshore wind construction is already over halfway complete, and Charybdis will be crucial in meeting energy targets for U.S. renewable power.

As America pushes for energy independence, vessels like Charybdis signal a new era—will this be the start of a booming U.S. offshore wind industry?