Image:Boem
Virginia-based energy giant Dominion Energy has achieved a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector with the launch of the first U.S.-built offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) named the Charybdis. This vessel, constructed in compliance with the Jones Act, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s push towards sustainable energy solutions.
The Charybdis, boasting a length of 472 feet, is currently under construction at the Seatrium AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas. Notably, the vessel is being crafted using domestically-sourced steel, supporting local industries and adhering to regulatory requirements. Upon completion, it will be stationed in Hampton Roads, Virginia, to aid in the development of Dominion’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project.
Bob Blue, Dominion Energy’s chair, president, and chief executive officer, emphasized the vessel’s significance, stating, “Charybdis is vital not only to CVOW but also to the growth of the offshore wind industry along the U.S. East Coast and is key to the continued development of a domestic supply chain by providing a homegrown solution for the installation of offshore wind turbines.”
The Charybdis is constructed with over 14,000 tons of domestically sourced steel, with a substantial portion originating from states such as Alabama, West Virginia, and North Carolina. This effort underscores Dominion Energy’s commitment to fostering a robust domestic supply chain while supporting local economies.
Designed to accommodate turbines of 12 megawatts or larger, the vessel’s capabilities align with the evolving landscape of offshore wind technology. Chris Ong, Seatrium’s chief executive officer, emphasized the collaborative effort between Seatrium AmFELS and Dominion Energy, highlighting the vessel’s role in facilitating the nation’s energy transition. Ong stated, “The U.S.-built vessel will not only contribute towards reliable, affordable, and clean energy, but also benefit local communities in creating significant local know-how and job opportunities, paving the way for future growth in the U.S. offshore wind industry.”
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, spanning 2.6 gigawatts, stands as the largest offshore wind initiative to receive federal approval. Positioned approximately 27 miles off Virginia Beach, the project aims to install up to 176 wind turbine generators, each boasting a capacity of 14.7 megawatts.
With the receipt of the final federal permit from the Environmental Protection Agency, Dominion Energy is set to commence offshore construction. The installation of offshore monopiles is scheduled to commence in May, marking another crucial step towards achieving renewable energy goals.
This launch heralds a new era in the U.S. offshore wind industry, signaling the nation’s commitment to renewable energy and domestic innovation. As the sector continues to expand, the Charybdis stands poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of offshore wind development.
source:GCaptain
