New hospital ship set for outfitting in Belgium before starting field service in sub-Sahara Africa
Delivery of Mercy Ships’ newbuilding Global Mercy has moved closer with the successful completion of final sea trials.
Construction of the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship began in 2015 at the Tianjin Xingang Shipyard in China.
Global Mercy’s maiden voyage will be to Belgium where, as a guest of the Port of Antwerp, the 37,000-gt vessel will undergo final outfitting, including installation of medical equipment and IT systems (see www.mercyshipscargoday.org).
In Rotterdam various events are being organised to showcase the ship to sponsors, donors, volunteers and the Press.
Global Mercy, stocked with supplies by Mercy Ships’ European Distribution Center in Rotterdam, will then set sail for sub-Sahara Africa where, in Dakar, Senegal it will be commissioned and begin its first field service by early 2022.
Jim Paterson, Mercy Ships’ Marine Executive Consultant, says Global Mercy successfully “passed every test” during sea trials.
Mercy Ships’ existing vessel, the 16,572-gt Africa Mercy, is a converted Danish rail ferry but Global Mercy has been designed specifically for its role as a hospital vessel for many decades ahead.
It has six operating theatres and hospital wards for 200 patients, as well as a laboratory and general outpatient, opthamology and dental clinics.
Global Mercy will have space for 950 persons while in port and accommodation for 641 crew, comprising volunteers from around the world.
For the technical among you, Global Mercy will have an overall length of 174-meters and beam of 28.6 meters. The new, Deltamarin of Finland-designed ship, is classed by Lloyd’s Register and will fly the Malta flag.
Stena RoRo of Sweden has overseen project management during construction. Paris-based shipbrokerage Barry Rogliano Salles (BRS) assisted in negotiating the newbuilding contract.
May 10, 2021 By
