MSC (Europe) Limited Awarded Conversion M.V Africa Mercy

Southhampton-based marine outfitting company MSC (Europe) Limited has signed a letter of intent that will lead to a thirteen million pound conversion contract to transform the EX Dronning Ingrid into a state of the art hospital vessel for Mercy Ships.

MSC (Europe) Ltd., one of Maritime Services Corporation’s eleven offices worldwide, secured the contract amid strong competition by being able to deliver a complete turnkey package for the owners within the projected eighteen month period.

The works comprise of the following: interior and structural design; engine, steel and tank works; electrical generation and distribution; air conditioning and sprinkler systems; fresh water and sewage systems; cabins and public rooms; and hospital areas.

The works will take place at the Ex. Cammell Laird Yard in Hebburn, Tyne & Wear, and will commence immediately on design and procurement with the vessel being moved to commence works early next year.

Mercy Ships, whose worldwide headquarters are located in Garden Valley, Texas, is a non-profit organization that aims to bring hope and healing to the poor and needy around the world, providing medical care, relief, development and education. With the help of their two other vessels; M.V Anastasis and M.V Caribbean Mercy, Mercy Ships' long-term target is to aid and serve one million people annually by 2004.

“We have had our European Headquarters in Totton, Southampton, Hampshire for the past three years now. Having recently relocated to a new coustom built factory with new facilities, we now have much greater design, warehousing and production capabilities. We have experienced a steady growth over the past few years and have been specializing in turnkey projects; securing the Africa Mercy Conversion is a major for MSC and will facilitate further growth, increasing our market share further. The conversion of the Africa Mercy is such an interesting and unique project in the sense that no other project of this stly has ever been undertaken in the U.K. We are looking forward to handling the vessel back to Mercy Ships so that they are able to continue with their valued work.” Says John Wood, General Manager, MSC (Europe) Ltd.

Wood has been at the helm of MSC (Europe) since early 2000 and has developed a unique turnkey and stock system never previously used by tradition outfitting companies. Earlier this year, MSC carried out a major conversion for P&O North Sea Ferries, with another planned for January 2002. In addition to the traditional outfitting services, MSC also have electrical, waste handling and ships stores departments, to compliment their existing, to ensure customers are given a first class service.