Immediately following ISP taking over management of the Spirit of Oceanus, the vessel was renamed Sea Spirit and upgrading work commenced. The vessel was drydocked in Grand Bahama Shipyard, Freeport, Bahamas, where it was upgraded to get ice certification and to be able to operate in Antarctica.

Most of the items have been completed, including hull strengthening, rebuilding of water makers, heating, tank work, and the preparation of all public spaces and suites with hook security for all lose items such as chairs, tables, televisions, etc. The vessel’s class was changed to Bureau Veritas, and the hull color changed from white to blue.

On November 2 a charter contract was signed with Quark Expeditions, Toronto, for the Sea Spirit to operate in Antarctica for this winter season. The vessel will be delivered in Ushuaia in December and will operate up until March 6, 2011. Thereafter, the vessel will be available for long-term charter