Sea trials have officially begun for Charybdis, a pioneering US Jones Act-compliant wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV). This breakthrough represents a significant step for the future of offshore wind projects in the country.
Built by Seatrium at its shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, this impressive vessel is designed to meet the challenges of marine renewable energy.
Features of the wind turbine installation vessel
Charybdis, commissioned by Dominion Energy, is 96% complete . The super-sized vessel is capable of handling wind turbines of up to 12 megawatts, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world.
With its imposing dimensions of 472 feet long, 184 feet wide and a depth of 38 feet, the Charybdis is equipped with a 426-foot crane capable of lifting up to 2,200 tons , allowing it to carry out the installation of the turbines with maximum precision and safety.
Complying with Jones Act standards
The Charybdis has successfully completed lifting and loading trials of its main crane. This vessel has been designed to meet the strict standards of the Jones Act and to support Dominion Energy’s future domestic offshore wind projects. In particular, it is intended to support Dominion’s Coastal Virginia Offshore project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
Charybdis is expected to be a key pillar in the implementation of offshore wind projects in US waters, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy transition. As testing progresses, Seatrium will continue to monitor its performance and readiness to meet the high standards of the energy sector.
This success is the result of a joint effort between Seatrium, Dominion Energy, and their numerous partners, who have all made it possible for Charybdis to be ready to support the growth of offshore wind energy in the United States .
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Source and main photo: Seatrium
Internal photo: Dominion Energy
