BWMS & Service for Mercy Ships' Africa Mercy
DESMI is proud to partner with Mercy Ships through a newly signed five-year service agreement for Africa Mercy - one of the world’s largest civilian hospital ships.
This agreement covers the maintenance and continued performance of DESMI’s Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) on board, supporting the vessel’s safe and environmentally compliant operations as it delivers critical healthcare services to some of the world’s most underserved communities.
Mercy Ships operates the world’s largest fleet of civilian hospital ships, providing free medical services and strengthening healthcare systems in developing nations. Since 1978, their impact includes:
- 117,000+ surgeries performed
- 52,000+ healthcare workers trained
- 541,000+ dental treatments delivered
Their mission, grounded in compassion and Christian values, is both ambitious and deeply human: to bring hope and healing where it’s needed most.
A ship with a story – and a shared heritage
The Africa Mercy is not just any vessel. Before it was transformed into a floating hospital, it was known as the M/F Dronning Ingrid - a Danish railway ferry delivered in 1980 by Helsingør Skibsværft. For nearly two decades, it connected Danish cities along the Korsør-Nyborg route. Acquired by Mercy Ships in 2000 and converted into a hospital ship by 2007, it now connects lives through access to vital surgical care across Africa.
For DESMI, headquartered in Denmark with a proud maritime legacy, the connection is more than technical - it’s personal. Supporting a vessel that began its life in Denmark and now carries out humanitarian missions underlines the shared values of service, transformation, and community.
Continuing a trusted partnership
The service agreement with DESMI ensures that Africa Mercy’s BWMS continues to meet international standards for safety and environmental protection. It’s a small but vital part of ensuring the vessel can stay on course - literally and figuratively - as it brings care to thousands.
We are genuinely grateful for the trust Mercy Ships has placed in us and proud to support a vessel that does such meaningful work. It’s a privilege to be part of this mission, and we look forward to the next five years of collaboration.
