Africa Mercy

The M/V Africa Mercy is much more than a hospital ship: it is a true floating platform of hope and healing.

Among the largest civilian hospital ships in the world, it transforms lives in sub-Saharan Africa through free, safe surgeries and the training of local healthcare professionals.

5 operating theatres

designed to provide the highest quality care

Over 450 volunteers

from more than 60 different nations working toward a common goal

6 surgical specialties

including maxillofacial, general, pediatric orthopedic, plastic reconstructive, ophthalmic and gynecologic surgery

Global Mercy

The newest and largest ship in the Mercy Ships fleet, the Global Mercy was custom-built for maximum impact.
With its dual mission of care and training, it is the world’s first civilian hospital ship purpose-designed from the ground up for this vocation — a true turning point in global access to healthcare.

The hospital

7,000 m² of hospital space spread over 2 decks

Hospital services

199 hospital beds, including an intensive care unit and an isolation ward

Training

2 training and simulation rooms designed for local healthcare providers

Our hospital ships

For full details about our ships, visit this page.

Our fleet through the years

ANASTASIS

Our story began with our very first ship, the Anastasis, a former Italian passenger liner known as the Victoria. This ship was transformed to include three operating theatres, a hospital ward, a dental clinic, a laboratory, an X-ray unit, and three cargo holds. From 1978 to 2007, the Anastasis docked in 275 ports and carried out 66 missions in 23 countries, bringing care and hope to thousands of people.

CARIBBEAN MERCY

For 42 years, she sailed in Norwegian waters under the name Polarlys. After joining Mercy Ships, she became the Caribbean Mercy, serving in Central America and the Caribbean region from 1994 to 2006. Equipped with an ophthalmic surgery unit, accommodation for 150 people while in port, as well as spaces for conferences and seminars, the Caribbean Mercy visited 137 ports and completed 56 missions in 13 countries during her humanitarian service.

GOOD SAMARITAN

The former Newfoundland coastal ferry Petite Forte was donated to Mercy Ships in 1984. Renamed Good Samaritan, it served in the Caribbean as well as Central and South America. After renovations in 1994, including the addition of two operating theatres, it was renamed Island Mercy and served in the South Pacific until 2001.

Maria Zampetaki, Talent Acquisition & Volunteer Engagement

+41 21 654 32 01

[email protected]

Embark on a virtual tour

Africa Mercy

Global Mercy

Our hospital ships

Our fleet through the years

Your skills. Their healing. A meaningful experience.

Maria Zampetaki, Talent Acquisition & Volunteer Engagement