The vessel, previously named 'Sea Adventurer', is owned by Adventurer Partners Ltd and operated by Quark Expeditions.
Quark Expeditions says that "the new and improved Ocean Adventurer is designed to bring 132 travellers in comfort to the world's most remote corners. Originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976, this nimble, ice-strengthened ship has become a passenger favourite over the years and underwent refurbishments in 1999 and 2002, the most significant being in 2017."
The refurbishment of a 40-year-old vessel included complicated tasks, in which old and new must be combined. Significant technical upgrades have been performed, including the installation of an engine room package, which includes two new main engines, four new generators, new propellers, and new main and bridge wing control systems. The engine room package will lead to substantial fuel reduction.
A massive hotel upgrade has been carried out, adding nine new suites. Existing passenger cabins have been updated and upgraded, including a complete renewal of all the bathrooms. The common areas have been rebuilt and modernised.
"We put together teams across the group to solve the upgrading tasks. Our experienced workforce has solved this challenge most satisfactorily," comments yard manager Kristian Sætre.
The polar expedition ship before the 2017 refurbishment:
