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Global health charity Mercy Ships recently took delivery of Global Mercy, the largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship.
Designed by Finland's Deltamarin, the 174-metre, 37,000GT vessel was handed over by China's Tianjin Xingang Shipyard to its new owners earlier this month following recently completed sea trials.
In July, Global Mercy is scheduled to sail to Europe where, hosted by the Port of Antwerp from early September, the vessel will be further outfitted with IT and medical equipment installations and soft furnishings. Mercy Ships volunteer crew will also begin to join the ship in stages during this phase.
The ship will commence regular hospital operations in 2022. Its main area of operations will encompass sub-Saharan Africa.