World’s largest civilian hospital ship nears delivery

The Global Mercy, the world's largest civilian hospital ship, is nearing completion at the Tianjin Xingang shipyard in northern China. Mercy Ships, the international charity organisation that ordered the vessel, expects it to enter service by the end of 2021, after transport to Africa.

Sweden’s Stena RoRo has been responsible for the design, the contracting and the construction oversight of the complex vessel. In addition to the Chinese shipyard the project includes several European, American and Asian subcontractors.

“We have applied one of our concepts on a ship from the RoPax-class, which are passenger and freighter vessels for international voyages, and modified her into a pure passenger ship with hospital capabilities,” said Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo AB. “Instead of a car deck, we’ve built operating rooms and hospital wards. The ship will have space for about 950 persons with everything needed for both patients and those who work on board, including grade schools and nursery schools for the children of staff.”

Hospital operations place large and specific requirements, which have affected both the hull design and the layout of the interior. In addition, the ventilation system has been especially adapted and focus has been placed on minimising vibration and noise. The ship is equipped with large cranes in order to be able to take on containers with provisions, vehicles and other equipment as the ship is to be used for long periods in port.