The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, a significant renewable energy endeavor in the United States, has reached a pivotal milestone with the departure of its first eight monopiles. These colossal structures were manufactured at EEW SPC's factory in Rostock and are en route to their destination in Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Virginia. The project, boasting a remarkable 2.6 gigawatts (GW) capacity, is spearheaded by Dominion Energy and is situated off the coast of Virginia Beach.
To facilitate their transportation, the monopiles were carefully lifted into transport cradles using the Strand Jack system. These monopile foundations, a crucial component of offshore wind infrastructure, are an impressive 83 meters in length, weigh a staggering 1538 tons, and boast a diameter of up to 9.5 meters.
The shipment is expected to reach Portsmouth Marine Terminal by mid-October, marking a significant step forward for the CVOW project. In total, EEW SPC will produce an impressive 176 monopile foundations for this ambitious renewable energy initiative.
The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, once fully operational, is projected to become a substantial contributor to the region's clean energy portfolio, with an anticipated operational date set for 2026. This achievement underscores the growing momentum of offshore wind projects in the United States and their pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy solutions.