A warp-capable freighter, the Norkova had a 15-member crew. It also carried the first load of deuridium back from the Gamma Quadrant, to Deep Space Nine.

As the target of mercenaries hired and led by the Kobliad criminal, Rao Vantika, its captain and the two-member bridge crew were killed in the takeover. The mercenary, Durg, was also killed when Vantika's plans went awry.