Tymor Marine, a maritime technology and naval architecture consultancy based in Aberdeen, UK, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with the global humanitarian charity Mercy Ships.

The MoU establishes an ongoing partnership between the two organisations. It follows significant gifts-in-kind naval architecture, structural analysis, and marine consultancy services supplied by Tymor to Mercy Ships, a cause it has supported since 2016.

In the most recent package of support donated, Tymor’s leading maritime surveyors conducted a vital deadweight survey of the MV Africa Mercy™.

The survey was undertaken whilst the vessel was on a maintenance break at the port of Las Palmas, Canary Islands, and is a vital part of the service schedule that allows the vessel to operate for 10 months of the year.

Mercy Ships is a global humanitarian charity which deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the world, delivering vital, free healthcare to people in desperate need.

The 152m, 16,572 GT MV Africa Mercy was converted from the rail ferry MS Dronning Ingrid in 2007 and is currently the world’s second largest non-governmental floating hospital, the largest being its sister ship the MV Global Mercy™.

The MV Africa Mercy’s state-of-the-art facilities include five operating theatres, recovery, intensive care, a pharmacy, and low dependency wards – totalling 80 patient beds. The vessel is also home to around 450 volunteer crew, with accommodation that includes six family cabins.

Kevin Moran, director at Tymor Marine said: “Mercy Ships is a phenomenal organisation which transforms the lives of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities for the better.

“The nature of the survey work we have donated over the years means you get to know the vessel and crew very well. It is always a privilege to learn more about the work they do and the people they have been able to help.

“We are delighted to be able to support the Mercy Ships mission with the expertise of the Tymor team. I have no doubt our relationship will continue to grow and evolve over the course of the coming years.”

Ciaran Holden, Senior Technical Superintendent, Marine Operations for Mercy Ships said, “Mercy Ships, Marine Operations have worked with Tymor Marine on many projects over the years.  Their donated support, friendship to us and our mission has been second to none.

“Thank you, Tymor Marine for the solutions and expertise you have delivered for us.  We are looking forward to continuing to grow this partnership in the coming years.”

The MV Africa Mercy has been operational in Madagascar since February 2024. It is the vessel’s fourth visit to the island nation. Over the coming months, the Mercy Ships team will offer life-changing surgeries for patients and surgical training for Madagascan healthcare professionals.