The new vessels design is based on the current design of MPI Resolution (built 2003), which is the only purpose built offshore Wind Turbine Installation in the world and has been owned by Vroon since early 2006. The new vessels will be slightly bigger and will have a number of enhancements, such as a much larger crane (1,000 MT lifting capacity), larger accommodation (112 persons), helideck, enhanced jacking and positioning capability (DPII) and the ability to work in the Offshore Oil and Gas sector.

The new vessels are being designed in cooperation between MPI and Gusto MSC (Rotterdam). Gusto will also arrange the supply of the jack-up system and the cranes for the vessels, while the engine and thruster systems are being delivered by Rolls Royce. The vessels will be constructed at the Cosco Nantong Shipyard in China and will classed by DNV. Delivery and commissioning is expected in the first and third quarters of 2011. The total investment for the two vessels will amount to USD 550 million.

Mr Paul Gibson, CEO of MPI, said "I am very excited with this order for two new vessels. We, together with Gusto, commenced the engineering of the new vessels in October last year. We have had 4 years of operating experience with MPI Resolution and our new vessels will incorporate many smaller and bigger improvements just based on that. We have been pioneers in the offshore wind turbine installation industry and we have proved that we have the most reliable operating vessel in the industry. Now that offshore wind energy, in particular in the North Sea, is taking off to a much larger scale, we are there again in the forefront with our new enhanced vessels. We feel confident to secure employment for our new vessels and expect to make further investments in the offshore wind installation and maintenance sector in the time to come."