On 15 May 2010 MPI Offshore proudly participated in the keel-laying ceremony for “MPI Discovery”, the second of two state-of-the-art wind turbine installation vessels, currently under construction at the Cosco Nantong Shipyard in China. 

A tradition built up over centuries, the keel laying marks the ceremonial beginning of the ship's construction. The keel laying consists of placing the first major construction blocks in position on the skidway at the shipyard and represents an important milestone in the construction of the vessel. Only the ship's launching is considered more significant. Forming the backbone of a ship, the keel is the first part of the vessel to be constructed.   The complex equipment and systems that will be installed on the two vessels are being manufactured at subcontractor facilities all around the world and shipped to China for final integration and commissioning on board the vessels. MPI Adventure, the first of these two wind turbine installation vessels, will arrive in European waters in the first quarter of 2011, with MPI Discovery due to follow during the third quarter.  The two, almost 140-metre-long vessels are being built side by side and make an imposing sight in the shipyard. Following their arrival in European waters, “MPI Adventure” and “MPI Discovery” will join “MPI Resolution”, MPI Offshore’s first wind turbine installation vessel. Together, the three vessels will make an important contribution in the delivery of renewable energy to the homes of Europe and beyond.  Paul Gibson, Chairman of MPI Offshore said "I am delighted to see the progress that is being made in our new build programme. This keel-laying ceremony marks a major milestone event in the construction schedule of “MPI Discovery”. We are delighted that construction is underway for this very significant project."