UPDATED: Fincantieri Marine Group to build Norwegian-designed Jones Act SOV

The build will be undertaken by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) in Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin, alongside Crowley’s onsite construction management group.

The Jones Act-compliant SOV is due to enter into service in 2026 and will provide an offshore base for windfarm technicians servicing the Siemens Gamesa wind turbines on Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Windfarm.

Fincantieri Marine Group chief executive Marco Galbiati said the SOV market “is one of the most interesting and important markets for our company.”

FBS vice president Craig Perciavalle said the company is excited to partner with CREST to build the vessel. He described the project as “an important strategic programme” that would help the yard consolidate its position in the offshore wind market.”

Selection of its design is a breakthrough in the US for HAV Design in Norway, which has designed many SOVs for the US market.

HAV Design vice president of sales Gisle Vinjevoll Thrane said, “We have designed numerous SOVs, but this is the first time for the US market. We are confident in the operational benefits our design brings to the table and believe the contract can open the door for further work in the US.”

A Crowley spokesperson told OWJ the new SOV will be a diesel-electric hybrid, with “a sizable battery installation that augments the output of the generators and the ability to use biodiesel.”