Mercy Ships Cargo Day, an annual event established by the worldwide shipping community in 2016, has announced a $1 million target goal for 2018.
The event, held Oct. 3, provides the opportunity for the shipping and trading community around the world to donate 50 percent of its commission on cargoes (Mercy Cargoes) or to make a direct financial contribution to Mercy Ships.
Mercy Ships operates the world’s largest private hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, staffed by volunteers who provide free life-changing surgeries in Africa. In addition to the more than 2,000 surgeries they will perform in Guinea during the current field service, Africa Mercy volunteers will provide mentoring and training for African healthcare providers, leaving a lasting legacy.
Last year, Mercy Ships Cargo Day raised more than $672,000 from 84 participants, including charterers, ship owners, shipbrokers, port agents and service companies. These funds helped provide 2,746 surgeries and training to over 1,400 local healthcare professionals. To date, more than $1 million has been raised by the shipping industry, which began the initiative with a desire to see more lives transformed through the work of Mercy Ships.
This year, U.S. shipping companies AET, BRS, Stena Bulk, Teekay Shipping and Valero have agreed to partner with Mercy Ships for Cargo Day.
European shipping companies already committed include Augusta, Clearlake, Eiger Shipping, Nyala, Sahara, Socar Trading, Total, Trafigura, BRS, Riverlake, Ocean, Lotus, Clarksons Platou, Galbraith’s, ST Shipping & Transport, TPT, Star Sardinia and Integra Petrochemicals.
Cargo Day volunteers are challenging other U.S. shipping companies to get involved by pledging their support on the website.