Key figures behind the building of the world’s largest civilian hospital ship headline at global maritime industry digital conference
A new chapter is about to be written for Mercy Ships with its first purpose-built hospital vessel nearing completion.
Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to the story of how this unique project came to life by joining this free of charge panel discussion on February 2 3PM GMT+1 at SMM Digitial—driving the maritime transition.
Four speakers will share their personal stories about how this project has come together and how it will more than double Mercy Ships’ capacity to deliver free medical care to people in some of the poorest countries in the world.
Building the World’s Largest Civilian Hospital Ship: Turning a Dream into Reality features Per Westling, Managing Director of Stena RoRo since 2011; Gilbert Walter, Geneva-based Managing Director of international shipbroker Barry Rogliano Salles (BRS); Jim Paterson, Senior Marine Consultant, Mercy Ships; and Jacques Vandermeiren, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Antwerp.
Per Westling has been involved in the project to build the new Global Mercy at China Shipbuilding Industry’s Xingang Shipyard since the very beginning.
Stena RoRo handled the concept design, teamed up with Deltamarin on the main design work, and has overseen construction of the newbuilding.
Gilbert Walter guided Mercy Ships towards building Global Mercy in China, with BRS brokering the deal. BRS is donating its commission to the charity.
Jim Paterson has been with Mercy Ships since 1987, originally as chief engineer on a former vessel in the fleet, the Anastasis. He has focused on the successful completion and deployment of Global Mercy since the newbuilding contract was signed.
Jacques Vandermeiren has been CEO of the Port of Antwerp for the last four years. Agreement has been reached for Global Mercy to be moored at the Belgian port for three to five months while it is fitted out and completed during the spring and Summer of 2021.
In addition, Tom Stogner, CEO of Mercy Ships International will answer the three questions, “How does Mercy Ships plan to deploy the Global Mercy?”, “How is she equipped and why?” and “Where will she be deployed?” via video interludes.
The global shipping and trading industry has been a big supporter of Mercy Ships’ work: Its annual Cargo Day event has raised almost $4 million since 2016.
So Save the Date, February 2 at 3PM GMT+1 to hear more about this unique ship , the Global Mercy.
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The 29th edition of the leading maritime trade fair SMM is this year being held as a purely digital conference because of the Covid-19 pandemic. SMM Digital is offering you four days between February 2 and 5 of “comprehensive insight into the developments that drive the maritime transition.” Experts from industry associations and NGOs etc will focus on topics including the latest in cutting edge technologies.
We’re getting close! Join Jim Paterson on a tour through the #GlobalMercy as it nears the end of construction.
— Mercy Ships Australia (@mercyshipsau) January 28, 2021
Will we see you on the Global Mercy when she makes her maiden voyage to Africa? https://t.co/7gn2udHWR6 #volunteer#hopeandhealing#mercyships pic.twitter.com/8amZRkp3bz
About Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships has been bringing hope and healing since 1978 to some of the most needy people in the world by providing medical services and materials in developing nations valued at over $1.74 billion and impacting more than 2.84 million people directly.
The charity works with host nations in Africa to help fill the gaps in healthcare systems, serving the dire and immediate needs of their people.
If provides a variety of training opportunities for local medical professionals, as well as performing thousands of surgical procedures focused on its vessel Africa Mercy. A new ship, Global Mercy, is being built and is close to completion. Once the Global Mercy is deployed, we will more than double the impact of our programs! Mercy Ships collaborates with qualified local and international partners.
Wide-ranging programmes offer holistic support to developing nations striving to make healthcare accessible for all. The countries served by Mercy Ships are ranked as the poorest in the world by the United Nations Human Development Index.
Volunteering abroad, an incredible adventure
Every year, more than 1,200 volunteers from some 60 nations walk the gangways and deck of the Africa Mercy hospital ship. Their mission: to help African populations in need of medical care.
