Fincantieri Bay Lands US SOV Order

The contract covers the design and construction of a 288 ft (87.7m) Service Operation Vessel (SOV). Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) will build the vessel at its shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, with the collaboration of Crowley’s on-site construction management group.

The Jones Act-compliant SOV is expected to enter service in 2026, where it will serve the Dominion Energy wind farm off the coast of Virginia under long-term charter to Siemens Gamesa. The vessel has been designed by HAV Design AS, a leading designer of SOVs in Norway. 

“We are proud to be associated with important ‘green’ projects like this,” offered Marco Galbiati, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. “The SOV market is one of the most interesting and important markets for our company.”

Bob Karl, senior vice president and general manager for Crowley Wind Services added, “The SOV for CREST Wind will bring the latest innovations and performance capabilities to support the emerging clean energy sector in the U.S. – combining ESVAGT European designs and operating practices with Crowley’s safety and operational expertise of the premier U.S. vessel operator.”

The project will provide future work for Fincantieri Bay after the completion of a number of LNG bunkering barges. The shipyard is also contributing to the construction of Constellation-class frigates at Fincantieri Marinette Marine.