A new version of the 3D finite-element primitive-equation ocean model (FEOM) is applied to simulate the North Atlanticcirculation at eddy-permitting resolution (0.2$^0$--2$^0$). It relies on a horizontally refined mesh in regions of steep topography and allows the sloping bottom to be represented within the $z$-coordinate vertical discretization, similar to the so called shaved cell approach. In fact, the ocean volume is partitioned into tetrahedra.The FEOM performance in the North Atlantic is compared with thatof other models. The meridional overturning circulation andheat transport compare well to the DYNAMO project models, while the mean sea surface height demonstrates the presence of the Gulf Stream recirculation and the Azores Current reproduced only by the ISOPYCNIC model of DYNAMO.We analyze the sensitivity of model circulation to boundary condition (free-slip vs. non-slip), and to relaxation to climatic data on temperature and salinityin the latitude belt north of 60$^0$ N and in the Gulf of Cadiz. The relaxationin both areas parameterizes small-scale processes linked to the DenmarkStrait and Mediterranean Overflows, respectively.