A New Ship: Mercy Ships Announces the Global Mercy

The world’s largest civilian hospital ship designed to double the hope,  double the healing

For Mercy Ships, the dream of creating a fleet of hospital ships was born long ago.

Responding to a World in Need

Each year, 16.9 million people die due to a lack of access to surgical care.* A large percentage of these deaths occur in Africa’s developing nations, where the fragile healthcare systems simply cannot support the overwhelming need for safe surgical procedures.

For over 40 years, Mercy Ships has been on a mission to change that. Through the support of faithful volunteers and partners from around the world, Mercy Ships provides access to safe surgery and delivers medical training through the platform of hospital ships. As a result, the lives of 2.7 million direct beneficiaries have been transformed through a holistic approach to healthcare. From surgical care to medical training, to long-lasting infrastructure development, Mercy Ships is strengthening healthcare systems by treating patients and providing sustainable solutions to nations in need.

But in an effort to reach more and teach more, Mercy Ships needed a ship equipped to do more.

A Medical Marvel

It’s with much joy and gratitude that Mercy Ships announces the Global Mercy — the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, built to more than double their capacity to deliver safe healthcare and medical training to Africa. This 174-meter, 37,000-ton ship is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and instrumentation, 6 operating theaters and 199 hospital beds. And because medical training is a critical part of their in-country engagement program, the Global Mercy is equipped with a training center that includes a simulation lab, virtual reality stations, and more. Powered by an international crew of more than 600 volunteers, the ship also has ample accommodations to make its surgeons, nurses, maritime crew, cooks, teachers, electricians and more, feel at home. (Interested in volunteering? Discover more or contact a Mercy Ships Recruiter here!)

The Global Mercy will join the Africa Mercy to serve Africa together. With their combined medical technology, passionate crews, and the support of partners, many more people will experience life changing transformations.

Bringing Hope and Healing

Over the next 50 years, it is estimated that more than 150,000 lives will be changed onboard the Global Mercy through surgery alone, and countless more lives will be impacted through the ship’s medical training and infrastructure programs. In close collaboration with host nations in Africa, the Global Mercy, together with the Africa Mercy, will more than double the impact of the work of Mercy Ships. 

Imagine the difference you can make with Mercy Ships. Learn more about the Global Mercy and how you can leave a lasting legacy.

*Source: The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery