Seatrium begins sea trials on Charybdis, the first Jones Act-Compliant wind turbine installation vessel in the U.S.

Seatrium


Seatrium has officially commenced sea trials on Charybdis, the first Jones Act-compliant Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV) built in the United States. Commissioned by Dominion Energy, the vessel recently completed successful jacking trials and main crane load testing.

Currently under construction at Seatrium’s AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, Charybdis is 96% completed and is fully compliant with U.S. Jones Act regulations. Formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act requires vessels transporting goods between U.S. ports to be built, owned, and crewed by American citizens or permanent residents. This regulation plays a crucial role in supporting the U.S. maritime industry and ensuring domestic capabilities in offshore wind development.
This compliance then allows the vessel to operate in U.S. waters for offshore wind projects. As one of the largest WTIVs of its kind globally, Charybdis is designed to support both current and next-generation wind turbines, with capacities of up to 12 MW or larger.

Measuring 472 feet in length, 184 feet in width, and 38 feet in depth, the vessel is equipped with a 426-foot crane capable of lifting up to 2,200 tons. Additionally, it offers accommodation for up to 119 people.

Charybdis is on track for delivery and will support Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project later in 2025, following the completion of vessel preparation works, including grillage installation.


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