SOV "Support Operation Vessel" Update Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

SOV Support or Serveice Operation Vessel Video Update with Informational Narrative.
Similar Vessel Shown at the end of Video.
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is setting a new benchmark for renewable energy support with the construction of a cutting-edge Service Operations Vessel, or SOV, for Crest Wind. This collaboration, between Crowley, a U.S. leader in marine logistics, and ESVAGT, a Danish offshore wind expert, combines international expertise and American innovation to address the growing needs of the U.S. offshore wind sector.
The 288-foot SOV is designed to be Jones Act-compliant, ensuring it can operate seamlessly within U.S. waters while meeting stringent maritime regulations. This vessel represents the future of offshore wind support, designed to maintain and enhance the operational efficiency of offshore wind farms in challenging marine environments. Equipped with a motion-compensated gangway, the SOV facilitates safe and stable technician transfers to turbines, even in harsh weather conditions, ensuring maximum uptime for wind energy production.
This vessel is more than just a functional platform-it is also a home for its crew during extended offshore missions. Accommodating up to 80 personnel, the SOV includes private cabins and an array of modern amenities to ensure crew comfort and well-being. Among these are a fitness center, a game room, a cinema, and spacious common areas that encourage relaxation and camaraderie after demanding shifts.
Importantly, the vessel is also equipped with advanced medical facilities, underscoring its commitment to crew safety and health. With the inherent risks of offshore work, having medical capabilities on board ensures that immediate care is available in emergencies, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming evacuations to shore. This feature aligns with the vessel’s role as a reliable hub for offshore operations, prioritizing the safety and welfare of its crew.
Sustainability is at the core of the SOV's design. The hybrid propulsion system and fuel-efficient engines significantly reduce emissions, supporting global efforts to decarbonize maritime operations. By adopting these innovative technologies, the vessel not only meets current environmental standards but also positions itself as a leader in green marine operations.
The project reflects the power of collaboration. ESVAGT brings decades of operational knowledge from European offshore wind farms, while Crowley ensures that the vessel meets the specific needs of the U.S. market. Together with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, this partnership demonstrates how blending international expertise with local execution can create industry-leading solutions.
As the offshore wind industry grows rapidly, the demand for specialized support vessels like this SOV is increasing. With projections showing a significant expansion of U.S. offshore wind capacity by 2030, this vessel is expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining wind farm reliability and efficiency. Its advanced capabilities make it indispensable for the operation, maintenance, and logistical support of these critical renewable energy assets.
Scheduled for completion in 2026, this vessel represents a critical step forward in the U.S. energy transition. Beyond its engineering excellence, it symbolizes a broader commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. By addressing the unique challenges of offshore wind operations, it helps pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
In summary, this Service Operations Vessel is more than just a ship; it is a statement of progress. It embodies the ingenuity and determination required to build a renewable energy infrastructure capable of powering the future. As it comes to life at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, it stands as a testament to the transformative potential of renewable energy and the role of innovative engineering in making it possible.
Length 289 ft
Beam 58 ft
Depth 25 ft
Draft 21 ft
Installed Power 5,250 kW
Propulsion Power 3,200 kW
Speed 14 Knots
MACHINERY FEATURES
Main Generator: 3 x 1,750 ekW
Tunnel Thruster: 1 x 1,300 kW
Retractable Thruster: 2 x 880 kW
Emergency Generator: 1 x 350 ekW
Fuel Oil: 100,000 gal
Fresh Water: 75,000 gal