Virginia, October 16, 2025
The first US-built wind turbine installation vessel, Charybdis, has arrived in Virginia to aid the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. This marks a significant advancement in the development of renewable energy along the Atlantic coast, showcasing a commitment to innovative solutions in clean energy production. The Charybdis will play a crucial role in the installation of wind turbines, reinforcing Virginia’s leadership in renewable energy efforts and contributing to the nation’s transition towards sustainable energy sources.
Portsmouth, Virginia – The Charybdis, the first U.S.-built wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), has arrived at Portsmouth Marine Terminal to support Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project.
Charybdis Vessel Details
The Charybdis is a Jones Act-compliant vessel, measuring 472 feet in length, 184 feet in width, and 38 feet in depth. It is equipped with a 426-foot crane capable of lifting up to 2,200 tons, suitable for installing next-generation turbines up to 12 megawatts or larger. The vessel can accommodate up to 119 crew members.
Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project
The CVOW project, located approximately 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, is the largest offshore wind farm under construction in the United States. It will feature 176 Siemens Gamesa 14 MW turbines, generating a total capacity of 2.6 gigawatts. Once fully operational in late 2026, the project is expected to produce enough renewable energy to power up to 660,000 homes.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The CVOW project is anticipated to create approximately 900 jobs during the construction phase and support an estimated 1,100 annual jobs during operations. It is expected to generate about $210 million in annual economic output and $82 million in annual pay and benefits. Additionally, the project is projected to save customers $3 billion in fuel costs during the first decade of operations.
Background
The Charybdis was constructed at Seatrium’s AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, using over 14,000 tons of domestic steel, with nearly 10,000 tons sourced from Alabama, West Virginia, and North Carolina suppliers. The vessel was launched in April 2024 and began sea trials in February 2025. Its arrival in Virginia signifies a major advancement in the U.S. offshore wind industry, providing a domestic solution for the installation of offshore wind turbines.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Charybdis?
- The Charybdis is the first U.S.-built wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), designed to support the installation of offshore wind turbines for Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project.
- What are the specifications of the Charybdis vessel?
- The Charybdis measures 472 feet in length, 184 feet in width, and 38 feet in depth. It is equipped with a 426-foot crane capable of lifting up to 2,200 tons and can accommodate up to 119 crew members.
- What is the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project?
- The CVOW project is the largest offshore wind farm under construction in the United States, located approximately 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. It will feature 176 Siemens Gamesa 14 MW turbines, generating a total capacity of 2.6 gigawatts, enough to power up to 660,000 homes once fully operational in late 2026.
- What are the economic and environmental impacts of the CVOW project?
- The CVOW project is expected to create approximately 900 jobs during the construction phase and support an estimated 1,100 annual jobs during operations. It is anticipated to generate about $210 million in annual economic output and $82 million in annual pay and benefits. Additionally, the project is projected to save customers $3 billion in fuel costs during the first decade of operations.
- Where was the Charybdis vessel constructed?
- The Charybdis was constructed at Seatrium’s AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, using over 14,000 tons of domestic steel, with nearly 10,000 tons sourced from Alabama, West Virginia, and North Carolina suppliers. The vessel was launched in April 2024 and began sea trials in February 2025.
Key Features of the Charybdis Vessel
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 472 feet (144 meters) |
| Width | 184 feet (56 meters) |
| Depth | 38 feet (12 meters) |
| Cranes Capacity | 2,200 tons |
| Accommodation Capacity | Up to 119 crew members |
| Turbine Capacity | Up to 12 megawatts or larger |
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Author: VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER
The VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionvanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and the Home Builders Association of Virginia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Williams Mullen. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
