March 24 - MPI Offshore Limited (MPI) has taken delivery of MPI Adventure in Qidong, People's Republic of China.
MPI Adventure is the first of two wind turbine installation vessels (WTIV) to be built at the Cosco Qidong Shipyard. The second vessel, MPI Discovery, is scheduled for delivery later this year.
The is designed to transport, lift and install wind turbines and their foundations. MPI says it is the world's most advanced and most efficient WTIV, in terms of jacking speed, deck space, lifting capacity and positioning capabilities (DP2). These enhanced characteristics have been achieved without losing the original concept of a unique combination of tested technologies, pioneered by MPI on its first WTIV, MPI Resolution. The experience gained from operating MPI Resolution in the offshore wind turbine installation market since 2003 has proved vital in implementing these enhancements.
Key features on the MPI Adventure include a 1,000-tonne capacity main crane, plus a 50-tonne capacity auxiliary crane, accommodation capacity for 112 persons, a maximum operating depth of 40 m (at 5.0 m leg penetration and 7.8 m air gap) and an ability to jack with 6,000 tonnes of cargo onboard.
Paul Gibson, chairman of MPI Offshore Limited said: "This is truly a proud day for all at MPI, Vroon and the Cosco Shipyard, plus the many other parties who have worked tirelessly for the last three years to bring about the delivery of such an impressive piece of engineering. I have no doubt that, once in service, MPI Adventure will soon demonstrate that she really is a class act! She is a welcome addition to the MPI fleet and will serve to consolidate our position as a world leader in the construction of offshore wind installations."
Following completion of the repositioning voyage from China and arrival in European waters, MPI Adventure will be engaged in the installation of foundation components for the London Array Offshore Wind Farm in the United Kingdom. The London Array is an offshore wind farm under construction in the outer Thames Estuary. The development is approximately 30 km off the North Foreland on the Kent coast in the area of Long Sand and Kentish Knock and, when complete, will cover 230 sq km between Margate in Kent and Clacton in Essex. Phase 1, with 175 turbines and a combined capacity of 630 MW is planned to deliver power to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. With an eventual total of 1,000 MW capacity, the London Array Offshore Wind Farm is expected to become the world's largest offshore wind farm.
