Marine Link
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Hospital Ship News

22 Jan 2024

Vigor Wins Repair Contract for Hospital Ship USNS Mercy

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) anchored off Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia on January 18, 2024. (Photo: Jacob Woitzel / U.S. Navy)

Vigor Marine has been awarded a contract for a 93-calendar day shipyard availability for a mid-term availability of Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).The $21,198,656 firm-fixed-price contract includes a base period and options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $21,711,746. Vigor was the sole bidder for the project.Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., beginning March 15, 2024, and is expected to be completed by June 15…

13 Jul 2023

Philly Shipyard Wins Contract for Hospital Ship Design Study

File photo: Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrives in Los Angeles in March 2020, in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts. (Photo: David Mora Jr. / U.S. Navy)

U.S. shipbuilder Philly Shipyard announced it has been awarded a contract to develop preliminary designs for vessels to replace the U.S. Navy's two current Mercy-class hospital ships.The T-AH(X) Hospital Ship Feasibility Study contract was awarded by Gibbs and Cox, a Leidos Inc. company. Philly Shipyard said it will subcontract to Vard Marine Inc. to provide engineering and technical services for the six-month design study, and that the pair would leverage design work performed as part of a special study completed for the U.S.

14 Dec 2022

Nineteen Fall Overboard During Transfer to US Navy Hospital Ship

(Photo: U.S. Navy)

Nineteen personnel fell overboard, and two of them were hurt, during a transfer from a small boat to the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) off the coast of Haiti on Monday, the Navy said.All were safely recovered and returned to Comfort with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harold Miller (WPC 1138). The two injured sailors were treated aboard Comfort and are expected to make a full recovery, the Navy said.The hospital ship arrived off the coast of Jeremie, Haiti, in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S.

24 Nov 2022

Vigor Wins Repair Contract for Hospital Ship USNS Mercy

(Photo: Aja Bleu Jackson / U.S. Navy)

Portland, Ore.-based Vigor Marine has been awarded a contract for a 90-calendar day shipyard availability for a mid-term availability of Military Sealift Command’s hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).The $20,187,816 firm-fixed-price contract includes a base period and options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $20,915,538. Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., beginning January 16, 2023, and is expected to be completed by April 15, 2023.

27 Jul 2022

From Surface to Subsea to Space: U.S. Navy Shipbuilding Outlook 2022

The Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550) transit the Atlantic Ocean March 20, 2021, marking the first time a Ford-class and Italian carrier have operated together underway. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley McDowell)

As a rudderless U.S. Navy debates maritime strategy, fleet futures and platform performance, America’s naval shipbuilding industry can look forward to another year of relative stasis.Barring a major geopolitical incident or unexpected maritime provocation, government shipbuilding isn’t going to change course. With Admiral Michael Gilday approaching the final “lame duck” year of his four-year term as Chief of Naval Operations and the 2024 election season looming, the prospect for major changes in the Navy’s demand signal seems limited.Aside from the U.S.

22 Jun 2022

BMT Delivers Life Extension Program for Hospital Vessel ‘MV Africa Mercy’

BMT was appointed to support Mercy Ships with a life extension program to extend the operational life of the Hospital ship MV Africa Mercy.Following the successful completion of the initial extension program, the vessel is now operational ahead of the next stage of upgrades that will deliver further improvements and allow the vessel to operate until 2035.Described as an essential lifeline for communities in Africa in need of medical facilities, MV Africa Mercy hosts state-of-the-art hospital facilities including five operating theatres…

03 Jan 2022

Alabama Shipyard Wins Contract for Hospital Ship Overhaul

The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) (Photo: Ernest R. Scott / U.S. Navy)

Alabama Shipyard has secured a nearly $26 million contract for the regular overhaul and dry-docking of Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), the U.S. Department of Defense announced.The $25,964,083 firm-fixed-price contract includes a base period and 11 options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $28,535,957. The contract was a small business set-aside with proposals solicited via the Government Point of Entry website with two offers received, the Pentagon said.Work at the Mobile, Ala.

11 Nov 2021

Interview: Will Roberts, President, Foss Maritime

Will Roberts (Photo: Foss Maritime)

Will Roberts joined Seattle-based Foss Maritime in 2017 as chief commercial officer, and in 2018 he was named chief operating officer. Prior to joining Foss, Roberts held a number of leadership roles for marine systems and services provider Rolls-Royce, rising to senior vice president, customer and services–Americas. A U.S. Navy veteran, Roberts served as a qualified deck and engineering officer aboard the fast attack submarine USS Honolulu. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in ocean engineering and holds a Master of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

11 Oct 2021

LED Lighting for Ships: Seeing is Believing

The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) conducts a replenishment at sea with the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Duran/Released)

New Lighting Technology offers bright ideas for better interior and exterior lighting that saves money, manpowerThe U.S. Navy is leaving traditional lighting behind for Solid State Lighting (SSL) with very long-life solid-state light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. Technology has illuminated new ways to light ships that are safer, more efficient and more affordable. Taking advantage of the new technology has its challenges, such as finding cost effective lighting that is rugged…

20 Sep 2021

Ship of the Month: Mercy Ships and the Quest to Build Global Mercy

Global Mercy is diesel electric (4 x Wärtsilä 6L32s, just under 3MW).  Designed by DeltaMarin in Finland, the ship uses ABB pods for propulsion for a 12-knot service speed. Photo courtesy Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships is known globally for its charitable work performing medical procedures in developing countries. For the first time, the organization has a new ship, Global Mercy, recently delivered from a shipyard in China. Jim Paterson, Marine Executive Consultant, Mercy Ships takes Maritime Reporter & Engineering News inside the construction of the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.Jim Paterson already had a career and Chief Engineer’s Certificate when he joined Mercy Ships nearly 34 years ago, in search of a life change to make a difference.

16 Sep 2021

Prefabrication of Federal Shipbuilding Project Funding

Fincantieri Marinette Marine is building the U.S. Navy’s Constellation class frigates (Image: U.S. Navy)

Initial appropriations discussions are underway for Fiscal Year 2022, with a continued focus on federal shipbuilding programs. It has been rough going for the Navy as Congress raised questions about the President’s commitment to the Navy’s long-term shipbuilding program. Meanwhile, House appropriators are seemingly focused on continuing shipbuilding successes at the Maritime Administration and Coast Guard. With billions of dollars in the balance, the U.S. shipbuilding industry…

01 Sep 2021

VIDEO: Global Mercy enroute to Antwerp for Equipping, Crewing

Global Mercy completed its journey through the Suez Canal, headed to the Port of Antwerp, where it will be further equipped and crewed.  The Senegalese and Egyptian governments facilitated the passage of the Global Mercy through the Suez Canal, so that the ship could pass through free of charge. Photo courtesy Mercy Ships

Global Mercy, Mercy Ships' first newbuild and touted as the world's largest civilian hospital ship, completed its journey through the Suez Canal free of charge and is scheduled to dock in the Port of Antwerp in mid-September for further equipping.As the International Day of Charity (September 5, 2021) draws closer, Mercy Ships announced that the Global Mercy completed its journey through the Suez Canal and the ship is headed for a short courtesy visit in Malta. Global Mercy is the newest hospital ship of Mercy Ships…

22 Jul 2021

Global Mercy Joins Mercy Ships' Fleet and, with Volunteers, Delivers Hope in Africa

Mercy Ships announces the delivery of the Global Mercy — the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, built to more than double its capacity to deliver safe healthcare and medical training to Africa. (Photo courtesy Mercy Ships)

Each year, 16.9 million people die due to lack of access to surgical care, according to Lancet Global Surgery 2030 Report. A large percentage of these deaths occur in Africa’s developing nations, where the fragile healthcare systems simply cannot support the overwhelming need for safe surgical procedures.For more than 40 years, Mercy Ships has been on a mission to change that. Through the support of faithful volunteers and partners from around the world, Mercy Ships provides access to safe surgery and delivers medical training through the platform of hospital ships.

12 Jul 2021

Nichols Brothers Delivers Fourth Tug to Foss

(Photo: Nichols Brothers Boat Builders)

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) said it has delivered the final vessel in a series of four new tugs for Foss Maritime.The ASD-90 tractor tugs Jamie Ann, Sarah Avrick, Leisa Florence and Rachael Allen were completed and delivered between April 2020 and June 2021. Foss, a division of the Saltchuk company, will station two of the vessels in Los Angeles/Long Beach, while the other two vessels will be in the San Francisco Bay providing escort and assist services to large tankers and containerships calling on the California ports.The series' fourth vessel…

29 Jun 2021

ABB Azipods Propel World's Largest Civilian Hospital Ship

(Photo: Stena RoRo)

ABB’s Azipod propulsion will help Global Mercy enter less accessible harbors off the African coast, while reducing vibrations and noise – crucial to the comfort of up to 200 patients and medical personnel on board.With about 5 billion people lacking access to surgical care globally, international charity Mercy Ships uses hospital vessels to provide surgeries and medical assistance for free to people who have little access to healthcare. The newest Mercy Ships vessel, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship Global Mercy…

10 May 2021

Mercy Ships' New Hospital Ship Completes Sea Trials

Global Mercy (Photo: Mercy Ships)

Mercy Ships announced that its newly built hospital ship Global Mercy has completed sea trials leading up to delivery, equipping, maiden voyage and launch into service to sub-Saharan Africa in 2022.The first-of-its-kind 174-meter vessel, designed by Finnish naval architect Deltamarin and built at the Tianjin Xingang Shipyard in China, is the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship. It has a beam of 28.6 meters, with a design draft of 6.15 meters and gross tonnage of 37…

01 Dec 2020

Fire-stricken Warship USS Bonhomme Richard to Be Scrapped

On July 12, a fire was called away aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard while it was moored pierside for a maintenance availability at Naval Base San Diego. (Photo: Garrett LaBarge / U.S. Navy)

The U.S. Navy announced it will scrap the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), forgoing repairs to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship that was ravaged by a major fire in San Diego in July."We did not come to this decision lightly," said Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite. "Following an extensive material assessment in which various courses of action were considered and evaluated, we came to the conclusion that it is not fiscally responsible to restore her."Although it saddens me that it is not cost effective to bring her back…

10 Nov 2020

Gulf Copper Wins USNS Comfort Maintenance Work

USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) (File photo: Ernest R. Scott / U.S. Navy)

Gulf Copper and Manufacturing has been awarded a firm-fixed contract for a value is $7.49 million, including options, from Military Sealift Command for the mid-term availability repair on the hospital ship USNS Comfort.The work will be performed pier side in Norfolk, Va. commencing in February 2021.USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) is an 894-foot U.S. Navy Mercy class hospital ship used to provide on-site emergency and medical care for American combat forces as well as for disaster and humanitarian relief efforts.

07 Oct 2020

Wärtsilä Powers Mercy Ship's New Hospital Ship

(Photo: Mercy Ships)

Mercy Ships' new hospital ship Global Mercy, nearing completion at the Tianjin Xingang shipyard in China, will be powered by four Wärtsilä 32 engines.When completed, the philanthropic organization's Global Mercy will be the world’s largest vessel of its kind, providing essential healthcare to patients in developing countries. Mercy Ships expects to take delivery in 2021, and the ship’s maiden voyage is planned later in the year to Africa where crew will provide vital surgical care at no cost.Wärtsilä…

08 Oct 2020

Timelapse: World's Largest Civilian Hospital Ship Falling into Place

Global Mercy - Credit: Stena RORO

Construction of what has been described as the world's largest civilian/NGO hospital ship - the Global Mercy - is making progress and is nearing completion in China.Mercy Ships, an NGO which ordered the ship to deliver free healthcare services to those with little access in the developing world, and Stena RoRo, which leads the construction of the Global Mercy, on Tuesday shared a timelapse video of the construction along with the photos of the vessel in the shipyard in China."The Global Mercy will be a true modern marvel—a fully custom-built hospital ship with customized instruments…

08 Jun 2020

Vigor Wins Contract to Overhaul Hospital Ship Mercy

USNS Mercy (U.S. Navy photo by Tim Heaps)

Vigor Marine has been awarded a $56,450,644 firm-fixed-price contract for a 210-calendar day split shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry docking of the hospital ship U.S. Naval Ship Mercy (T-AH 19).Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be complete by August 2021. The deal includes one base period and 17 options that, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value to $61,201,329. The contract was competitively procured, but Vigor was the only shipyard to bid for the project.

26 May 2020

One on One with Buckley McAllister

Buckley McAllister is President, McAllister Towing & Transportation

Buckley McAllister, President of McAllister Towing & Transportation, weighs in on the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts on the maritime sector.McAllister Towing & Transportation is a long and storied organization based in New York, the original U.S. COVID-19 hot spot that has been transformed from the city that never sleeps into a surreal ghost town. Describe the view from your perspective.All McAllister administrative personnel who can work from home are doing so. Luckily, most office personnel do most of their work online, so the need for actual visits to the office are infrequent.

18 May 2020

Hospital Ship USNS Mercy Departs Los Angeles

Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) departs Los Angeles (Photo: Port of Los Angeles)

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) departed Los Angeles Friday after supporting local COVID-19 response efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.Mercy has been at the World Cruise Center Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles since March 27, serving state and local healthcare providers by treating non-COVID-19 patients in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Medical professionals aboard the ship treated a variety of patients and performed medical procedures including general…

Subscribe for
Maritime Reporter E-News

Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week