Hospital ship Africa Mercy
A remarkable donation in 1999 saw the Africa Mercy acquired and put into service in 2007. The vessel saw a great increase in capacity to serve, with 5 operating theatres and 82 ward beds. This former ferry converted into a floating hospital makes it possible to offer surgeries to Africa of a level equivalent to those that can be obtained in a regional hospital in New Zealand.
The hospital ship is like a small village, with a school for the children of volunteers, a bank, a kiosk and even a hairdresser! The Africa Mercy is dedicated to increasing access to surgical services on the African continent.
Facilities and Features
Hospital
Crew and Accommodation
Safety & Security
History
Acquired in 1999 through an initial Balcraig Foundation donation, the ship was re-named the Africa Mercy by Dame Norma Major in April 2000.
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Key facts
The Africa Mercy and
the Global mercy are
the world’s largest
non-governmental
hospital ships
As many as 1,550
volunteers from
60 nations serve
on board our fleet in
a normal year.
was established in 1978,
more than 2.86 million
people have benefited
from the services provided.
FAQ (todo)
Energy-efficient LEDs in light fixturesLow sulfur marine fuels help reduce contaminants Sailing at low speeds between ports to reduce carbon emissions Complying to international (MARPOL 73-78) standards, with regulate what ships do with waste, oil, sewage, garbage and air pollution.
Mercy Ships currently complies with many maritime industry standards that regulate what the ships do with waste, oil, sewage, garbage and air pollution — one of which is the I nternational Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships Maritime Pollution (MARPOL 73-78) standards. Additionally, to lower its CO2 footprint, Mercy Ships utilizes marine fuels that meet the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 0.5% Sulphur cap – which helps reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, the ships also sail at low speeds between ports.
Interview with Jim
The ventilation in the hospital is fairly sophisticated with special filtration in places as well as positive and negative pressure gradients, depending on the space, to control airflow in to our out of a space to reduce the potential spread of airborne infection. The data network throughout the ship is very extensive but particularly in the hospital area to facilitate communication with different finds of equipment and the possibility to send information shore side for quick diagnosis where necessary. We have incorporated a “Patient Veranda” on the aft end of deck 4 (hospital deck) where recovering patients can go outside if they wish.
Download our full presentation
Africa Mercy Specifications
Related content
Global Mercy
Africa Mercy
Anastasis
Island Mercy
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