A unique model: hospital ships

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to bring high-quality medical care to some of the world’s poorest countries and to develop long-term projects in host nations.

Since 1978, the Mercy Ships fleet has served more than 70 port areas around the world. Volunteers from over 74 nations come together aboard our hospital ships, sharing their skills and talents to make a difference.

Global Mercy

Africa Mercy

The Global Mercy, the first hospital ship purpose-built for our humanitarian mission, allows us to double our impact on the African continent and carry out missions in two different countries simultaneously.

Learn more about the Global Mercy

Acquired in 1999 thanks to a donation and put into service in 2007, the Africa Mercy includes 5 operating rooms and an 82-bed room. This former ferry converted into a floating hospital makes it possible to offer surgeries to Africa of a level equivalent to those that can be obtained in Switzerland. In addition to being a hospital, it is also a real village with a school for the children of volunteers, a bank, a kiosk and even a hairdresser! The Africa Mercy is dedicated to the African continent.

Learn more about the Africa Mercy

Why ships?

Mobility

Ships are able to move and can therefore call at ports where the needs are greatest. Our medical assistance may therefore not be limited to a single country.

Stability

In Africa, power cuts or lack of running water are major challenges for hospitals. The self-sufficiency of the boat guarantees us clean water, reliable technical equipment and power supply at all times. Thus, there is no risk of power failure in the middle of an operation!

Efficiency

On the ship, everything is under one roof. Thanks to the geographical proximity, the consultations within the various specialized services can be done quickly and easily. Thanks to years of experience, our system is so well developed that we can help as many patients as possible.

Community

Living together on board our ships offers our crew some security and privacy. Our volunteers can meet and gather, take the time to share their experiences and assimilate, together, the sometimes difficult experiences of the suffering of our patients. The common purpose unites us.

Security

A ship as a home provides the greatest possible security for our employees. In the event of a political crisis or an epidemic, the ship can leave at any time.

Our old ships

Anastasis (1978 - 2007) Originally named Victoria, Anastasis was built in 1953 as an Italian ocean liner and served as the flagship of the Mercy Ships fleet from 1978 to 2007. During that time, Anastasis contributed to more than half of Mercy Ships' total production in terms of the number of services, their value and beneficiaries. An average of 350 volunteers from more than 30 countries lived and worked on board. The previous liner was modified to include 3 fully equipped operating rooms, an X-ray unit and accommodation for 420 crew members. The Anastasis crew performed over 18,800 surgeries and over 137,000 dental treatments.

Caribbean Mercy (1994 - 2006) Formerly a Norwegian ferry (Polarlys), the Caribbean Mercy was acquired by Mercy Ships in 1994. During her 12 years of service, the Caribbean Mercy contributed over 20% of Mercy Ships' total production in terms of number of services, their value and the beneficiaries, serving mainly Central America and the Caribbean Basin. During her stays in port, the ship welcomed an average of 120 volunteers from more than 20 countries. The crew of the Caribbean Mercy has performed more than 7,000 surgeries. He also carried out 18,200 dental treatments.

Island Mercy (1983 - 2001) The former Newfoundland coastal ferry Petite Forte was donated to Mercy Ships in 1983. She sailed for 11 years as a Good Samaritan serving the Caribbean, Central and Latin America until 1994. Renamed Island Mercy, Mercy Ships redeployed her to the South Pacific where she served until 2001. The ship underwent major renovations including the construction of operating theaters on board. The Island Mercy focused on eye surgery and dental services and carried a permanent crew of 60. Her shallow draft allowed her to reach where the larger Mercy Ships could not go. The Island Mercy crew performed 1,150 surgeries and over 29,370 dental treatments. The boat was resold in 2001.