Designed to support United Nations overseas missions, the Berlin class were initially to number four vessels.

The third hull, Bonn, was ordered in 2008 to a modified design, began construction in 2010 and entered service in 2013.

The Berlin-class design was selected as the basis for the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) replacement for the two former Protecteur-class auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) vessels which were retired in 2014.

Two Berlin-class variants, described as Joint Support Ships, were ordered by the RCN to be built in Canada.

[3] The vessels have two replenishment at sea stations, one to each per side of the ship and two electro-hydraulic container and cargo cranes.

The MERZ is capable of holding 50 patients and providing them with emergency surgery, intensive care, internal medicine and dental services.

[2] The Berlin-class ships have a helipad aft and a hangar and can support two helicopters, either the Sea King or NH90 models which can be used for vertical replenishment.

[2] The third ship, Bonn, was ordered on 3 December 2008 with increased power and accommodations and was built at Pennewerft in Wolgast.

[6] In 2007, Frankfurt am Main performed trials with Finnish 14 m (46 ft) Jurmo-class landing craft.

[12] This decision was reversed in September 2017, when it was announced that the ships would perpetuate the names Protecteur and Preserver.