WHAT IS CARGO DAY?
The shipping and trading community are able to support and raise funds for Mercy Ships, an organisation which operates the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.
Access to quality healthcare in Africa is still very complicated, especially in the more rural or remote areas of the continent. Many people are still dying due to lack of access to medical care or put aside in society due to illnesses or handicaps that are easily treatable in our modern developed countries. Since 1978, Mercy Ships has provided services and materials in developing nations valued at over $1 billion and impacting more than 2.5 million direct beneficiaries, through 587 port visits.
Thanks to the combined action of the shipping and trading communities through the Cargo Day, Mercy Ships can continue to help the lives of millions of people in need through its hospital ship.
How can I get involved?
The shipping & trading community wishes to raise support for Mercy Ships, an NGO with a mission to increase access to healthcare worldwide through the deployment of the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.
All the actors involved in the shipping & commodity trading industry are able to collaborate on a dedicated event aiming to improve the lives of millions of people.
Ever year in November, participants are able to pledge cargoes, make donations, or share their commission in favour of Mercy Ships. This day is known as the Mercy Ships Cargo Day. But contributions can continue through the end of the year. During this time you will be regularly updated on the running total raised.

Why should I participate?
Charterers, shipowners, shipbrokers, port agents, inspection companies and anybody else involved in the logistics chain can participate.
Mercy Ships has the potential, within this generation, to help transform the healthcare story in Africa. Thanks to people like you, we have been able to help the next patient in line to receive life-changing surgery. With a training platform, observation facilities and classrooms onboard, we can build for the future by providing vital training and mentoring of medical professionals, while we work to upgrade the local healthcare facilities. Together we can make a difference in the lives of thousands and change the surgical landscape of whole countries, not only in the immediate future, but for decades to come.
Check out the list of participants already involved here.
How to give a Mercy Cargo
Charterers give Mercy Cargoes to participating shipbrokers who then, along with port agents and inspection companies, donate 50% of their commission to Mercy Ships.
Mercy Cargoes can be committed to brokers during the Cargo Day season.
Charterers are also encouraged to donate either 50% or 100% of their address commission to Mercy Ships.
The Cargo Day website will show “Charterer’s name gives 1 Mercy Cargo to (name of shipbroker, port agent and inspection company.”
All parties involved in the logistics chain are also encouraged to make donations to Mercy Ships.
How to make a donation of money
Contributors can donate any amount of their choice. Donations are divided into three categories based on the amount. Each donation is represented with corresponding colors and anchors displayed beneath the logo:
The three categories are:
- $1,000 to $10,000
- $10,000 to $25,000
- $25,000 +
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