MSC Group and Mercy Ships announce construction of hospital ship for Africa

MSC Group, the MSC Foundation and the charity Mercy Ships International have announced an agreement to build a new hospital ship. The vessel will provide free treatment and medical training to thousands of people in Africa.

The cooperation agreement was signed on 8 April 2024 by Captain Gianluigi Aponte, Chairman of MSC Group and MSC Foundation, Diego Aponte, President of MSC Group and member of the MSC Foundation Board of Directors, and Don Stephens, Founder of Mercy Ships.

Commenting on the deal, Captain Aponte said: "I spent part of my childhood and early years in the shipping industry in the Horn of Africa. I have seen first-hand the challenges faced by many local communities and this has reinforced my belief that improving access to healthcare for them will have a real and lasting impact. It has been extremely gratifying to work with Don and provide this vital support through his unique organization Mercy Ships, our partnership has already yielded extraordinary results. Now, at the beginning of their fleet expansion, we have increased this support even further. I am really looking forward to seeing this new ship set sail and help more communities in Africa."

Don Stephens added: "The investment by many people around the world in the hospital ship fleet will be enhanced in the future by our new purpose-built ship. Mercy Ships' mission to bring hope and healing is only possible through the generosity of our partners, volunteer crew and God's help. Today I want to express my gratitude to MSC for their support."

The new ship will have a capacity of approximately 600 crew and guests. The hospital will be spread over two decks and 7,000 square metres. It will include six operating theatres, a fully equipped laboratory and training facilities including a simulation laboratory.

Commenting on the deal, Diego Aponte, President of MSC Group, further said: "I have always been passionate about Africa and when Don's initiative was first introduced I was impressed by its extraordinary and honest nature, which led me to become involved in a significant way. Mercy Ships brings tangible and concrete support to thousands of families across the region and with the MSC Group having a significant presence here, it is our duty to give back to local communities. This ship is another milestone in our vision to support the African continent in achieving a truly prosperous and sustainable destiny."

Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation, said, "We are extremely proud to support Mercy Ships through grants and in-kind donations, and that their free services and training have had a transformative impact on 18,000 healthcare professionals and community leaders and 30,300 patients of all ages through 33,200 surgeries since 2011.

"When discussions began with Mercy Ships founder Don Stephens about building a new ship together, I was delighted to broker this groundbreaking commitment that will help Mercy Ships for decades to come."

Zdroje: MSC Cruises, Cruise News Industry