Mercy Ships Announces the Global Mercy, World’s Largest NGO Hospital Ship
According to the Lancet Global Surgery 2030 Report, an estimated 16.9 million people die yearly due to lack of access to surgical care. Over 93 percent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa does not have access to safe and timely surgery.
Our first purpose-built hospital ship is more than a just hospital, she is a transportable community of 600+ volunteers who will double our ability to save and transform lives
The global surgical backlog exasperated by COVID-19 threatens the stability of already fragile healthcare systems the need to provide basic life-saving care is greater than ever, especially in low-to-middle-income countries.
The Global Mercy is a transportable safe surgical environment providing sub-Saharan Africa with help and resources from some of the most well-trained physicians in the world. Over the vessel’s 50-year expected lifespan, it is estimated that more than 150,000 lives will be changed onboard through surgery alone.
The hospital on board the 174-metre, 37,000 gross-ton vessel covers most of decks 3 and 4 on the Global Mercy – approximately 7,000 square metres.
Similar in size to a small regional hospital, it includes containing 6 operating theatres, 102 acute care beds and an additional 90 self-care beds., as well as supply and auxiliary services.
The intensive care unit including 7 ICU/isolation beds was paid for by $1million raised by the people of New Zealand.
The Global Mercy joins the Africa Mercy, more than doubling the impact of volunteers and services provided by the charity.
Global Mercy specifications
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Key facts
Filtering & treating AC
condensate water for
technical use will
reduce potable water
use by approximately
50%
Ship systems provide
reliable and efficient
power, clean water,
and air conditioning
for the hospital
and crew.
High efficiency air
conditioning systems
reduce total energy
consumption by
approximately 15%.
with 2 x ABB Azipods
Global Mercy FAQs
How is the electricity handled on the ship?
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.
What are some of environmental responsibility measures Mercy Ships has taken?
To lower the CO2 footprint, Mercy Ships utilises marine fuels that meet the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 0.5% Sulphur cap – which helps reduce carbon emissions.
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.
Additionally, uses AC waste water for technical purposes, the ships sail at low speeds between ports.
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 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships Maritime Pollution (MARPOL 73-78) standards.
What surgeries are done in the hospital on boardn board?
The range of surgeries includes benign tumour removal, cleft lip and palate repair, plastics reconstructive surgery for burns, children’s orthopaedic surgery, cataract removal, and women’s health (obstetric fistula repair) specialties.
Interview with Jim
What are the main differences in what can be planned into the ship compared with a conversion like the Africa Mercy?
What still needs to be done in terms of fitting out the Global Mercy after delivery from the Shipyard?
What technical innovation has been employed in line with moves toward decarbonization of the shipping industry?
What other specialist systems have needed to be fitted to the ship to make it a hospital (eg ventilation or power)?
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.
Global Mercy specifications
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