The First U.S.-built Wind Turbine Installation Vessel, The Charybdis, Launched

Virginia-based energy major Dominion Energy has declared the launch of the first Jones Act-compliant and U.S.-built offshore wind turbine installation vessel named the Charybdis.

The vessel will be operated by the subsidiary of Dominion Energy’s Blue Ocean Energy Marine.

It was introduced after the hull was welded, and the four legs and related jacking systems were commissioned.

Dominion Energy observed no change to the vessel’s timeline, supporting the construction schedule currently set for the 2.6-GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (abbreviated as the CVOW), where Charybdis will install wind turbines.

Per Dominion Energy, Seatrium has been building the vessel with steel sourced domestically.

The vessel’s hull and other infrastructure have been fabricated with over 14,000 tons of domestic steel. Of the steel used, almost 10,000 tons had been sourced from Alabama, North Carolina, and West Virginia suppliers.

Dominion Energy said that during peak construction, more than 1,200 employees were employed on the scheme.

Once the execution is complete, Charybdis’s home port will be Hampton Roads, one of the offshore wind installation ports in the US.

Chris Ong, Seatrium’s CEO, explained how Seatrium’s AmFELS shipyard and Dominion Energy have worked closely to supply the first-ever U.S. Jones Act-compliant WTIV, Charybdis, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s energy transition.

The US vessel will contribute to enhancing the use of affordable clean energy and, at the same time, benefit the local communities by creating substantial local know-how and job opportunities, paving the way for growth in the US wind industry (offshore).

The 2.6-gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is the most incredible offshore wind undertaking to obtain federal approval.

The project, situated about 27 miles from Virginia Beach, will also include the installation of almost 176 wind turbine generators, each boasting a capacity of 14.7 megawatts.

Dominion Energy mentioned that the CVOW scheme had received the ultimate federal permit from the Environmental Protection Agency, permitting offshore construction to commence.

Offshore monopile installation is expected to begin in May this year.

Reference: WorkBoat

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