Kongsberg Maritime integrated solution picked for first Jones Act WTIV

Dominion Energy WTIV is designed to handle current turbine technologies as well as next generation turbine sizes of 12 megawatt or larger

When the giant Jones Act compliant Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV) under construction at the Keppel AmFELS shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, for Virginia’s Dominion Energy, goes to work, on offshore wind projects, a comprehensive technology package from Kongsberg Maritime will play a key role in its operation.

To be named Charybdis, the vessel has been designed by GustoMSC to handle turbine sizes of 12 megawatt or larger and will also be capable of the installation of foundations for turbines and other heavy lifts.

KONGSBERG MARITIME WTIV SOLUTION

The Kongsberg Maritime WTIV solution combines Kongsberg’s motion control, propulsion and dynamic positioning functionalities to maintain operability in all conditions.

Kongsberg Maritime thrusters will secure optimized performance both for transit, maneuvering and dynamic positioning, with power supplied by six Bergen diesel engines.

Mooring and line handling is facilitated by a comprehensive Kongsberg deck machinery package.

Monitoring and control of the Kongsberg components will be managed by a K-Chief 700 marine automation system, and the delivery also includes a large telecommunications package.

The electrical system will use KM’s Energy Solutions.

“Kongsberg Maritime brings years of experience and state-of-the-art technology to the construction of America’s first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind turbine installation vessel, which is a critical asset for the growth of offshore wind generation in the U.S.,” said Mark D. Mitchell, Dominion Energy’s senior vice president of project construction.

“We take a genuine pride in bringing the benefits of our technological expertise to all maritime sectors,” said Egil Haugsdal, president, Kongsberg Maritime. “The bespoke solution we have devised for wind turbine installation vessels indicates how much thought and effort we devote to facilitating and encouraging sustainable marine operations. We are pleased to be a key supplier to the first WTIV to be built under the Jones Act requirements, ably demonstrating that Kongsberg Maritime is well placed to be a trusted partner in WTIV construction projects for the U.S. market.”

Norwegian headquartered Kongsberg Maritime has several offices in the United States, including locations in Houston, Seattle and New Orleans.