New hospital ship handed over to global health charity

Global health charity, Mercy Ships, has taken possession of its brand new vessel from the Tianjin Xingang shipyard. The new vessel, Global Mercy, is the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.

The final handover of the newly constructed hospital ship was celebrated in the presence of representatives from Mercy Ships, project managers from Stena RoRo, together with shipyard management, joined by a remote audience of Mercy Ships staff and crew from around the world. 

”This day is a dream come true – not only for us, but for those we serve,” said Don Stephens, Mercy Ships founder who spoke via video to those attending. ”African heads of states and ministers of health have often expressed a desire for more of their healthcare professionals to be trained in-country. This ship will do exactly that. Many who suffer from disability and disfigurement will have access to surgical treatment and whole-person care in healthcare systems that will enable them to reach their potential.

“We hope that this new vessel and the volunteer crew who serve on her will bring hope, healing and transformation for the next 40-50 years.”

Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo, comments: “We are very proud to take delivery of this special ship. The activities to be carried out onboard have placed special and high demands on the construction of this ship. For the yard, it was the first time this type of vessel was built – a challenge that they managed very well. For Mercy Ships, delivery means that their capacity to help more than doubles.  And at Stena RoRo we are happy to be a part of their fantastic work through Global Mercy.”

Mercy Ships has been working on this new ship project for more than eight years. Contracts were signed in 2013, and the keel laid in 2015. Sea trials were successfully completed in late April this year.