The Charybdis: The First Jones Act-Compliant Offshore Wind Turbine Installation Vessel in the United States
The United States is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector with the introduction of the first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), the Charybdis. This groundbreaking vessel is currently undergoing sea trials and is on track for delivery to Dominion Energy later in 2025.
Constructed at the Seatrium AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, the Charybdis is a testament to American innovation and engineering prowess. It is the first of its kind to be built in the United States, marking a milestone in the country’s transition towards clean energy.
The vessel, commissioned by Dominion Energy, has successfully completed jacking trials and main crane load testing, with Seatrium reporting that the Charybdis is 96% complete. This state-of-the-art vessel is designed to comply with U.S. Jones Act regulations, allowing it to operate in U.S. waters for domestic offshore wind projects.
With its impressive specifications, the Charybdis is one of the largest WTIVs globally, capable of handling current and next-generation wind turbines up to 12 MW or larger. It boasts a length of 472 feet, a width of 184 feet, and a depth of 38 feet, equipped with a 426-foot crane that can lift up to 2,200 tonnes and accommodate up to 119 people.
Despite initial cost estimates, the price of the Charybdis has seen adjustments over time. Originally expected to cost $500 million when ordered by Dominion Energy in 2020, the price has since increased to $715 million, reflecting modifications to accommodate project-specific turbine loads and additional financing costs.
The Charybdis is scheduled to support Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project later in 2025, following the completion of vessel preparations, including grillage installation works. This vessel represents a significant investment in the future of offshore wind energy in the United States, paving the way for sustainable and environmentally friendly power generation.