The former exploration and passenger ship Ocean Endeavour arrived in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, on January 31 to provide accommodation for Danish and NATO forces. The vessel will remain anchored in Greenland during the Arctic Endurance Exercise, which aims to increase military presence and training in the region.

The Danish Ministry of Defense announced that it has decided to lease the ship to expand the limited accommodation options in Nuuk. The ministry emphasized that this method offers a more practical solution compared to establishing temporary facilities on land and will not add extra burden to the limited hotel capacity in the capital due to the increased military presence. It was also stated that the ship would allow soldiers to stay without conflicting with tourists and other visitors to the island.

NATO's participation in the Arctic Endurance Exercise, planned since last year, has been expanded. This step is said to be a response to former U.S. President Donald Trump's claims about security deficiencies in Greenland. The exercise will be managed by 90 permanent personnel from the Danish Arctic Command. France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Belgium are also among the countries participating in the exercise.

The Arctic Endurance Exercise will continue throughout 2026. Danish F-35 fighter jets, Challenger transport aircraft from the Royal Danish Air Force, and the French MRTT air-to-air refueling aircraft will participate in the exercise. Additionally, various warships and patrol boats will be active. These units will receive training not only to enhance their combat capabilities in winter conditions but also for the protection of critical infrastructure and conducting patrol operations.

The former passenger ship will anchor at the port upon its arrival in Nuuk. The vessel has been leased to the Danish Ministry of Defense by SunStone Marine Group, which owns the ship and provides leasing services to various companies. Under previous contracts, the ship had operated in Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, and Canada until the end of 2025.

Ocean Endeavour was built in 1982 in Poland as a passenger ferry for the Soviet Union. In the early 2000s, it was converted into a cruise ship under an Israeli company. In 2015, it was specially equipped for polar cruises.

Weighing 12,900 gross tons, the ship has a capacity for 190 passengers and a crew of 124. It features two restaurants, a lounge, a library, a theater for conferences and events, and a gym with a sauna.

The Danish Ministry of Defense did not provide details on how the ship will be used during the exercise. However, it was emphasized that Ocean Endeavour would ensure that soldiers can stay under 'good and familiar conditions.'

Source: SeaNews Türkiye