A new hospital ship will be constructed by MSC Group, MSC Foundation and Mercy Ships International to provide free surgery and training to thousands of people in Africa annually.

On April 8, Capt. Gianluigi Aponte, the chairman of MSC Group and MSC Foundation, along with Diego Aponte, the president of MSC Group and a member of the MSC Foundation Board, and Don Stephens, the founder of Mercy Ships, finalised an agreement to launch the new project.

"I spent part of my childhood and early years in the shipping industry in the Horn of Africa, it is a region close to my heart. I saw firsthand the challenges faced by many local communities there and this shaped my conviction that improving the availability of healthcare would bring real and lasting impact for them," Aponte said.

"Our partnership has reaped extraordinary results already and now we are on the verge of expanding their fleet to increase this support. I truly look forward to seeing this new ship set sail to help more communities across Africa," the MSC founder added.

Since Mercy Ships was founded in 1978, the organisation has provided more than 117,000 transformational specialised surgical procedures.

These surgeries include maxillofacial reconstructions, contracture release for severe burns, correction for orthopaedic problems in children, cleft lip and palate repair, ophthalmology and dental services.

MSC noted that Mercy Ships, a non-governmental organisation, is also committed to boosting the capacities of local healthcare systems through sustainably designed surgical education, training, and advocacy programs.  

Don Stephens, founder of Mercy Ships, confirmed Mercy Ships' vision for serving African nations with safe surgical care and education.

MSC noted that operating hospital ships involves transporting large quantities of essential supplies across oceans and seas to continuously support surgical and training activities.

It noted that it has been partners with Mercy Ships since 2011, with the MSC Group ensuring logistical support and container delivery of supplies to all ports of service.

MSC has been supporting the organisation through its local shipping agency in Africa and MSC and TiL terminals handling cargo to MSC and MEDLOG logistics, storage, and inland transportation services.

The new ship will feature living spaces to accommodate approximately 600 crew members and guests on board. Its hospital will span two decks and 7,000 square metres, featuring six operating rooms, a fully equipped laboratory, and state-of-the-art training spaces such as a simulation lab.

This makes it possible for Mercy Ships to strengthen local surgical systems during its time in port, typically a 10-month field service.