Mercy Ships takes delivery of new hospital ship
The world’s largest civilian hospital ship has been handed over to Mercy Ships at a ceremony in Tianjin.
The ribbon has been cut for the 37,000-gt Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.
The vessel was handed over to Mercy Ships at a ceremony at the Tianjin Xingang Shipyard in China and was attended by representatives from the medical charity and project managers from Stena RoRo.
With 12 decks, the Global Mercy is equipped with six operating theatres, hospital beds for 200 patients, a full laboratory, and training areas. She is expected to have an operational life of 40-50 years.
“This day is a dream come true – not only for us, but for those we serve,” said Don Stephens, Mercy Ships founder who spoke via video to those attending.
“African heads of states and ministers of health have often expressed a desire for more of their healthcare professionals to be trained in-country. This ship will do exactly that,” said Stephens.
