Sierra Leone Bound!

Smooth sailing for the Africa Mercy as she navigates her way 
to open seas as she departs Durban, South Africa.

Jim Paterson, Senior Vice President of Operations, reports that the Africa Mercy departed Durban on February 10th bound for Freetown, Sierra Leone via Cape Town.

Although the project encountered some delays the end result was everything we hoped for. After some initial settling in adjustments during the first 12 hour period the vessel performed very well indeed during the three day trip from Durban to Cape Town.

Mercy Ships is very grateful to all who participated on this large project – Southern African Shipyards and Controlmatic Gmbh as the major contractors as well as many sub contractors and suppliers many of whom gave special pricing for this project.


We are very proud of our four new MAN 5L21/31 generator sets and expect them to give many years of reliable service as well as a significant savings on fuel costs.



Once again, thank you to the many volunteers who contributed to the project over the last five and a half months, without each one of them the project would have been that more difficult and expensive.

When the Africa Mercy arrives in Freetown towards the end of February, the ship and her crew of volunteers will continue on its mission to bring hope and healing to the people of this West African nation.



The Africa Mercy leaves the sanctuary of Cape Town's Victoria and Albert
Waterfront continuing on her voyage to Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Nearing Completion Of The Project

In an update from the shipyard in Durban, South Africa, Jim Paterson, Senior Vice President of Operations, said that the Power the Vision project is coming close to a successful completion. 

All 4 new generator sets have been tested to full load capacity and finally testing and adjustments on the electrical distribution switchboard are currently under way.

“The Shipyard is working on the last details of piping and deck plating and all other systems are being brought on line.” Paterson said. “The new air conditioning system is now up and running.”

“The Main Engine Control system is undergoing final checks prior to starting engines for testing on Thursday.”

He added “We are still planning on departing Durban on schedule bound for Freetown, Sierra Leone.”

He personally thanked the many volunteers who labored hard on this project to bring it to completion.

Watch a time lapse video where the Africa Mercy's drydock is filled with water as she moves berths to continue maintenance work.