It was built in 2002 at Kværner Kleven, Ulsteinvik, Norway, and cost around 750 million Norwegian Kroner (nok).

Previous ships were DS Finmarken from 1912 and MS Finnmarken from 1956, which is currently part of the Hurtigruten museum in Stokmarknes, Norway.

The propulsion system is geared so that it can run in five different operating modes with both diesel-electric and conventional mechanical transmission.

The vessel is self-sufficient in terms of water and electricity, and waste management happens on board, which means that the ship can be at sea for long periods of time.

As a hospital ship, Finnmarken could accommodate 200 beds in case of war, crisis or disaster, nationally or internationally.

OVDS signed a construction contract with Kleven shipyard in Ulsteinvik with an option for two sister ships.

During a storm on the night of 13 November 2004, Finnmarken suffered damage to an emergency exit hatch as a result of breakers.

While in Australia the ship was painted all white and the car decks were converted into laundries and changing rooms.