Mercy Ships signs deal for new hospital ship

Seawork charity partner Mercy Ships – the world-famous ship hospital charity – is to get a new hospital ship to deliver vital surgical care and training across sub-Saharan Africa.

A partnership among MSC Foundation, MSC Group and Mercy Ships International has finalised a project to build the ship, which will accommodate 600 crew members and guests as well as house a hospital spanning two decks and 7,000 square metres.

Six operating rooms will be included along with a fully equipped laboratory and training facilities to bring surgery to the region for 10 months, which is the typical length of the charity’s field service.

Three sister ships

The charity’s existing ship Global Mercy has been serving in Sierra Leone since August 2023 and has announced an extension to the 10-month stay after a maintenance break next month. She will return to Free Town in August 2024 to continue providing surgical care and giving education.

Africa Mercy is in Madagascar until December 2024 and anticipates carrying out more than 1,000 surgeries on board.

The project for the third sister ship was signed off in April by MSC Group Chairman Capt. Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group President Diego Aponte, and Mercy Ships Founder Don Stephens, who said it marked a significant commitment to enhancing healthcare access in the region.

Reflecting on his experiences in the Horn of Africa, Capt. Aponte emphasised the project’s personal significance.

“Improving healthcare availability brings lasting impact,” he said. “Our partnership with Mercy Ships has already yielded extraordinary results, and this new ship will expand our support.”

Mercy Ships, founded in 1978, has performed more than 117,000 specialised surgeries, including maxillofacial reconstructions and burn contracture releases.

The organisation also focuses on surgical education, having trained more than 54,300 local professionals.

The new ship, designed similarly to the Global Mercy, will feature extensive training spaces, enhancing Mercy Ships’ capacity to support host nations’ healthcare systems.

Critical need

Highlighting the critical need for surgical care in sub-Saharan Africa, Sierra Leone’s Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh recently noted the region’s 91% unmet surgical needs. Mercy Ships’ expanded fleet aims to address these gaps, with the new vessel playing a key role.

Diego Aponte expressed his long-standing passion for Africa and commitment to Mercy Ships’ mission.

“Mercy Ships provides tangible support to thousands of families,” he said. “With MSC’s presence in Africa, we have a duty to give back to local communities.”

Since 2011, MSC has supported Mercy Ships with logistical aid, ensuring the continuous delivery of essential supplies. The new ship, developed with MSC’s technical knowhow, will enhance operational efficiency.

Mercy Ships now operates two hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Since 1978, Mercy Ships has had one to three ships in service.

“At Seawork we are delighted to have Mercy Ships as our charity partner,” said Andrew Webster, CEO of Mercator Media, the organisers of Seawork. “We hope that this partnership raises awareness of the amazing work that these hospital ships and their volunteer crew achieve.”

Seawork stand: C10