Hospital Ships: The Mercy Ships Way
Why Hospital Ships?
Over 40% of the world’s population lives within 100 km (62 miles) of a coast. Mercy Ships sails state-of-the-art floating hospitals directly to African nations to both provide free surgeries and use the ships as education platforms, enabling lasting improvements in each partner country. The fleet consists of two world-class hospital ships. Every year, they are operated by more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries.
Hospital Ships in Service
The Global Mercy
Our newest hospital ship has joined our former flagship Africa Mercy, more than doubling the impact of volunteers and services provided by Mercy Ships.
The Africa Mercy
The Africa Mercy is the second world-class hospital ship in service since 2007. The ship was first deployed as a Mercy Ship in 2007 with an inaugural field service in Monrovia, Liberia.
Retired Hospital Ships
The Anastasis
Deployed 1978 – Retired 2007
The Caribbean Mercy
Deployed 1994 – Retired 2006
Hospital Ships vs Land Clinics
Hospital ships complement land clinics by providing crucial medical care in areas where traditional facilities are inaccessible or overwhelmed. They offer rapid response to coastal disasters, support humanitarian missions, and reach remote populations.
Their mobility allows for flexible deployment, bringing advanced medical capabilities to regions lacking infrastructure, while also serving as powerful diplomatic tools for international cooperation and goodwill.
Medical Staff and Volunteers on Hospital Ships
Hospital ships require a diverse crew of medical professionals and support staff.
Surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and specialists provide critical care, while non-medical volunteers like engineers, cooks, teachers, and administrators keep operations running smoothly.
This international team of dedicated individuals works together to deliver life-changing healthcare and training in underserved coastal communities.
Training healthcare on floating hospitals
Floating hospitals provide unique training opportunities for healthcare professionals. Medical staff gain hands-on experience in diverse cases, from routine care to complex surgeries, in resource-limited settings.
These ships offer specialized courses, mentorship programs, and cultural competency training, equipping volunteers with invaluable skills for both international missions and their home practices.
The real change comes when we all work together.
No one should feel isolated from their community because they can’t access medical care. Help us bring hope and healing to those in need. So they can live with purpose and meaning in their communities.