- Mercy Ships uses hospital vessels to provide surgeries and medical assistance for free.
- Newest Mercy vessel has been delivered by Tianjin Xingang Shipyard in China.
- This vessel is equipped with two Azipod propulsion units.
- This propulsion system will help the 174-meter ship to navigate through narrow passages and dock in shallow harbors.
ABB’s Azipod® propulsion will help Global Mercy™ enter less accessible harbors off the African coast, while reducing vibrations and noise – crucial to the comfort of up to 200 patients and medical personnel on board, says a press release published on their website.
Hospital-vessels
With about 5 billion people lacking access to surgical care globally, international charity Mercy Ships uses hospital vessels to provide surgeries and medical assistance for free to people who have little access to healthcare.
Largest civilian hospital ship
The newest Mercy Ships vessel, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship Global Mercy, has been delivered by Tianjin Xingang Shipyard in China during an official ceremony held on June 24, 2021.
Mercy ship with Azipod propulsion
Global Mercy is equipped with two Azipod® propulsion units, as part of a comprehensive scope of electric, digital and connected solutions to optimize operation.
Azipod propulsion system
Renowned for its superior maneuverability enabled by 360-degree rotation, the Azipod® system will help the 174-meter ship to navigate through narrow passages and dock in shallow harbors, which are less accessible to other vessels.
Empowering Global Mercy
With many African ports being too shallow for large ships, and with limited or lacking tugboat availability, this feature of Azipod® propulsion will prove crucial for Global Mercy’s ability to deliver healthcare to those in need. Additionally, the Azipod® system’s pioneering design minimizes noise and vibrations, ensuring a smoother, quieter stay for patients and crew on board.
Global Mercy
Global Mercy will feature six operating theatres, hospital wards for 200 patients, general outpatient facilities, ophthalmology and dental clinics, and its own laboratory. The vessel is expected to embark on its first medical air mission to sub-Saharan Africa in 2022.
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Source: ABB