Mercy Ships operates the world’s largest private hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, staffed by volunteers who provide free life-changing surgeries in Africa. In addition to the more than 2,000 surgeries they will perform in Guinea during the current field service, Africa Mercy volunteers will provide mentoring and training for African healthcare providers, leaving a lasting legacy.
Last year, Mercy Ships Cargo Day raised more than $672,000 from 84 participants, including charterers, ship owners, shipbrokers, port agents and service companies. These funds helped provide 2,746 surgeries and training to over 1,400 local healthcare professionals. To date, more than $1 million has been raised by the shipping industry, which began the initiative with a desire to see more lives transformed through the work of Mercy Ships.
This year, U.S. shipping companies AET, BRS, Stena Bulk, Teekay Shipping and Valero have agreed to partner with Mercy Ships for Cargo Day.
European shipping companies already committed include Augusta, Clearlake, Eiger Shipping, Nyala, Sahara, Socar Trading, Total, Trafigura, BRS, Riverlake, Ocean, Lotus, Clarksons Platou, Galbraith’s, ST Shipping & Transport, TPT, Star Sardinia and Integra Petrochemicals.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of these amazing companies whose dedication allows Mercy Ships to deploy our hospital ship to some of the most impoverished nations in Africa to bring hope and healing to those in most need,” said Russ Holmes, director of corporate development, Mercy Ships.
“This year, with the addition of North American partners, our lasting impact in the nations we serve will be even greater.”
Cargo Day volunteers are challenging other U.S. shipping companies to get involved by pledging their support here.
ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building and sustainable development to those with little access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.3 billion, treating more than 2.56 million direct beneficiaries. The Africa Mercy is crewed by 400 volunteers from up to 40 nations, an average of 1,000 each year. Professionals including surgeons, dentists, nurses, healthcare trainers, teachers, cooks, seamen, engineers and agriculturalists donate their time and skills to the effort. With offices in 16 nations, Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and serve nations one at a time. For more information, visit www.mercyships.org.