The ship was built in 1980 as a rail ferry and converted to a state-of-the-art hospital ship.
Because of the age of the ship, it became essential to replace the onboard power generators to provide the vessel with a reliable supply of power and enable it to remain in service. The ship is receiving four 5L21/31 type MAN engines, each with an output of 1,000 kW. The new generators are being mounted in such a way as to cause minimum vibration, as any vibration transmitted to the operating theatres could make the task of surgeons more difficult.
One of the support services critical to the smooth functioning of the hospital ship is a reliable supply of electricity. The Africa Mercy is equipped to the same standard as a medium-sized hospital, with 78 beds in four wards, six operating theatres, a modern X-ray and CT scanner, a dental practice, and a pharmacy. In addition to the hospital, there are living facilities for more than 400 voluntary crew members and their families, who often live onboard for months at a time. The many facilities include dining room, a large kitchen, recreation rooms, a laundry, and a small school.
A team of workers had to cut a hole in the side of the ship to remove the old generators, four Frichs diesel generators and two B&W Alpha diesel generators. As the generator installation proceeds, Mercy Ships crew members are working on other projects. The ship being in the shipyard created an opportunity for the crew to repair areas that cannot normally be worked on when the hospital is in use. Projects include replacing the Main Engine Control System, doing a Main engine overhaul and painting in the dining room. There are also some hospital modifications being carried out.
When the project is completed, Mercy Ships will be able to reduce its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20%, resulting in a substantial cut of annual fuel costs. Founder Don Stephens says the cost savings will directly benefit patients onboard the Africa Mercy in the future. "Some of the world's poorest countries are situated on the African coast. Many people in these areas have no hope of receiving medical treatment, either because the medical infrastructure is not there or because it is only accessible to the few who can afford it. Mercy Ships does something remarkable by providing free assistance on its hospital ship in these very areas. We are delighted to support this vital initiative with our own diesel engines. It's important to us to fulfil our social responsibility even in economically difficult times."
A special fund raising effort to cover the cost of the current project is called Generating Healing Power.
For more information, visit: www.mercyships.org.au
Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978 providing free health care and community development services to the forgotten poor. Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the poor. Mercy Ships Australia, one of 15 international support offices is based on the Queensland Sunshine Coast.