A hospital built to travel. Built to transform lives.
The Global Mercy™ is the world's largest civilian hospital ship and the first Mercy Ships vessel purpose-built as a hospital ship. Designed to bring surgery, education and training, and a global volunteer community together in one place.
A hospital unlike any other
Purpose-built around patients, healthcare professionals and crew, the Global Mercy brings a modern surgical hospital directly to the countries Mercy Ships serves.
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6 operating theatres
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199 patient beds
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640 crew capacity
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174 m long
Where is the Global Mercy now?
The Global Mercy is currently serving in Ghana, working alongside Ghanaian partners to provide free specialized surgery and education and training for healthcare professionals.
Discover our work in Ghana
Behind every number is a person
Be part of what happens on board
The Global Mercy brings the hospital closer. People make everything that happens on board possible.
FAQ
How big is the Global Mercy's hospital?
Six operating rooms and 200 patient beds, together with a laboratory, sterile processing, imaging and intensive care. The hospital occupies whole decks, because the ship was designed around it rather than converted to fit it.
Is the Global Mercy the world's largest hospital ship?
She is described as the world's largest civilian hospital ship. Some navies operate larger vessels, which is why the word civilian matters in that description.
Who lives on board?
Several hundred volunteer crew during a field service - surgeons, nurses, engineers, deck officers, cooks, teachers and technicians - along with families and children, for whom there is a school on board.
What are the training facilities for?
For local healthcare professionals. The ship carries dedicated teaching and simulation space so that surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses can practise before working with patients. It is the part of the design intended to matter after the ship has sailed.
Can I visit the Global Mercy?
Only occasionally, when the ship is in a port between field services and tours are announced in advance. During a field service she is a working hospital and is not open to visitors.
