By Mercy Ships
The global shipping and trading community will once again join forces in November to raise vital funds for the hospital ship charity Mercy Ships.
Vessel charterers, brokers and agents along with owners, operators and others will participate in the annual Cargo Day which, since 2016 has raised almost SGD$5.4 million for the essential, life-changing work that Mercy Ships undertakes.
Mercy ship’s work with the Africa Mercy, a 16,572-gt converted rail ferry that has changed the lives of thousands in desperate need of medical has been so successful that the charity is expanding impact and capacity to transform lives even further in 2022.
With the Africa Mercy continuing in service, the annual cargo day has never been more important for Mercy Ships as the charity is currently outfitting a new hospital ship, the purpose-built, 37,000-gross ton Global Mercy in the port of Antwerp.
When Global Mercy is introduced into service next year, Mercy Ships will more than double its impact on the lives of thousands, providing free medical care for some of the world’s poorest people in Africa whilst also giving training support for African medical professionals.
Apart from the capital cost of the newbuilding, raised largely from private and corporate donors, millions of dollars are needed each year to provide direct medical services and operate the new ship, which is equipped with six operating theatres, six hospital wards, radiology, screening and admissions, rehab and outpatient care as well as comprehensive training facilities.
Over the last 18 months, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented the shipping and trading industry with some tough challenges, but recent months have seen some sectors, especially dry bulk, enjoying stronger returns. Spot rates in the capesize market, for example, have reached 13-year highs.
Since its launch five years ago Cargo Day has especially enjoyed support from charterers, brokers and owners working with tankers. This month, it’s hoped that the current positivity and optimism will be reflected across a broad range of companies participating in this vital, life-changing event.
Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has been active in more than 55 developing countries, providing services valued at over SGD$2.3 billion and directly benefitting more than 2.8 million people.
Already, the Africa Mercy draws volunteers from over 60 nations—an average of more than 1,200 volunteers each year including surgeons, nurses, dentists, healthcare trainers, cooks and teachers, as well as seafarers.
Speaking about the Annual Cargo Day initiative, Mercy Ships Asia managing director Alan Burrell says ‘’each year, the amazing men and women of the global shipping and trading community, come together to provide much needed funding. It’s this generosity which enables life-changing surgeries, direct medical services and support to be provided to those who need it most in developing nations’’.
Cargo Day is scheduled for November 10. On that date and in the following weeks charterers give cargoes (Mercy Cargoes) to participating shipbrokers who find vessels to carry the shipments of oil, iron ore, coal, containers, and other cargoes.
These brokers, port agents and inspection companies then contribute 50% of their commission to Mercy Ships.
Pledges of money and address commissions are also warmly received.
Ludvig Mandius, Geneva-based chartering manager for commodity trader Trafigura, describes his earlier visit to the Africa Mercy as “an amazing trip, an experience I will cherish for ever.”
“The whole Mercy Ships operation is just an amazing thing,” he says.
Each year, some 16.9 million people die due to lack of access to surgical care. A large percentage of these deaths are in Africa’s developing nations where the fragile healthcare systems simply cannot support the overwhelming need for safe, surgical procedures.
The support of communities such as those participating in the annual Cargo Day is vital to save lives and transform communities.
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