Ocean Nova (formerly called Sarpik Ittuk) made its debut operating as an Antarctica cruise ship in 2006. Built in 1992 in Denmark, Ocean Nova was commissioned as one of three “sister ships” to navigate Greenland’s icy waters as a coastal 
passenger ferry connecting the isolated villages of West Greenland.
The ship was upgraded in 2000 and lengthened by 105 feet (to its present size of 240 feet) and was significantly refurbished again in 2006 to include a fantastic glass-enclosed forward observation lounge and lecture room on the top deck. This very comfortable new “Panorama Lounge” affords almost unimpeded views of the passing scenery—even during a blustery snow squall!
The ship’s Danish captain and bridge crew have extensive experience in navigating polar waters, and the Greenlandic hotel and dining room staff is first-rate. It also carries an expedition staff of internationally-renowned experts on a wide variety of polar subjects, who participate in a series of discussions and presentations during your expedition, and act as your guides onshore.
Ocean Nova is a very quiet ship, with bow and stern thrusters providing excellent maneuverability, 
and a shallow draught that allows anchorage closer to landing sites than ships with a deeper hull. The ship, positioned closer to shore, facilitates shorter transfer times during landings. Ocean Nova is fitted with sophisticated navigation and communication equipment, and telephone and email access is available to passengers.
The ship can accommodate up to 96 passengers in 45 outside cabins, all with private facilities. Cabins on the Upper Deck have generous windows, as do the Bridge Deck cabins. From these cabins, passengers will appreciate being able to look out of the cabin window while lying in bed—a very comfortable way to watch the sunrise at 2:30 in the morning! Some cabins feature two lower berths while others have upper and lower berths. A unique cabin configuration is the three dedicated single cabins. Bridge Deck cabins have easy access to the scenic promenade outside.
Compared to many other vessels, getting in and out of the Zodiacs is simple from the Main Deck gangway near the waterline. You need take only 3 or 4 steps and you are in the landing craft. A handy mudroom is adjacent to the Zodiac loading area. There is no bow access on the ship, but there is an excellent forward viewing platform above the bridge, outside of the observation lounge—and the bridge itself offers wonderful views of the
route ahead!
There is a spacious dining room with unreserved seating: buffet-style breakfast with table service; table-service lunch; afternoon tea served in the lounge and dinner with main course choices from a changing daily menu. The ship’s aft library/bar/lounge has panoramic windows, comfortable chairs and a large collection of polar books. This vessel also has a modern infirmary with a doctor on board, and an “Open Bridge” policy—when the weather permits.
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS
Staff and Crew: 34
Passengers: 82
Length: 73.0 meters
Breadth: 11.0 meters
Draft: 3.7 meters
GRT: 2,118 tons
Propulsion: Diesel engine, 2,000 total horsepower
Ice class: Ice 1B, E0 (Ice Hull 1A)
Open water cruising speed: 12 knots
Registry: Greenland