The humanitarian organization Mercy Ships, known in Spain as Naves de Esperanza, will launch a new edition of Cargo Day this Wednesday, November 4, an international fundraising initiative aimed at companies and professionals in maritime transport and trade. The campaign will remain active until the end of 2026 and will fund the free healthcare programs the organization carries out in African countries using its hospital ships.
Cargo Day is supported by companies involved in various maritime activities, including shipping companies, shipowners, charterers, ship agents, maritime brokers, inspection companies, and service providers. Participants can contribute through direct financial donations or by allocating part of the commissions earned from their commercial operations to the organization's humanitarian programs.
The 2026 edition of the initiative follows last year's success in raising more than 2.5 million dollars, thanks to the participation of more than 90 companies from the international maritime community. Mercy Ships hopes to increase the number of partner companies in this campaign, amid a recovery in maritime transport and trade activity in recent years.
The funds raised will go toward maintaining the healthcare services the organization provides through its two hospital ships, the Global Mercy, considered the world's largest civilian hospital ship, and the Africa Mercy, a former ferry converted for hospital operations. Both vessels enable free surgical procedures and medical treatments in countries where part of the population has difficulty accessing these services.
Mercy Ships' work combines direct patient care with training programs for local healthcare professionals and initiatives related to hospital infrastructure. The organization works with institutions and healthcare personnel in the countries where it operates, with the aim of helping develop local care capacity.
In 2026, Mercy Ships has performed 4,747 surgical procedures on 3,069 patients, according to figures released by the organization. These efforts also include more than 13,985 dental treatments, as well as training for 1,043 local healthcare professionals, who have received more than 253,000 hours of instruction.
These programs have involved volunteers from more than 70 countries and contributions from individuals, institutions, and companies. Over the course of this year, the organization's work has taken place in Ghana, Guinea, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Togo, through its hospital ships and teams deployed to these countries.
The Global Mercy is currently docked at the port of Tema, Ghana, where it began its humanitarian mission in mid-August. The vessel is scheduled to remain there until mid-June 2027, during which time it will continue the healthcare programs planned for this port call.
Meanwhile, the Africa Mercy is at the port of Toamasina, Madagascar, where it began operations early in May this year. According to the schedule provided by Mercy Ships, the vessel will remain at this destination until the end of December 2026.
The operations of both ships form the basis of the healthcare programs run by the organization. The vessels make it possible to transport hospital facilities and specialized medical teams to countries where missions are scheduled, while collaboration with local healthcare systems supports training and capacity-building activities.
Mercy Ships began its work in 1978 and has 48 years of humanitarian activity. Since then, it has worked in more than 56 developing countries and, according to its own figures, has directly benefited more than 2.9 million people through its various healthcare and medical cooperation programs.
During this period, the organization has recorded more than 129,000 free surgical procedures, trained more than 57,000 healthcare professionals, and completed more than 1,115 projects related to healthcare infrastructure and sustainable development. According to information released for Cargo Day 2026, the organization estimates the value of the services it has provided over the course of its work at more than 1.6 million euros.
Funding for these activities comes from various sources of support, including financial contributions from the maritime business sector. Cargo Day is one of the ways the organization builds ties with companies involved in international freight transport, port services, and shipping.
This year's campaign will run from November 4 to December 31, and companies and maritime operators from any country can participate. Interested parties can find out about the ways to get involved and the procedures for making contributions on the official Mercy Ships Cargo Day.
In Spain, Naves de Esperanza is covered by the tax regime established under Law 49/2002, so donations made to the organization that meet the legal requirements may qualify for the applicable tax deductions.
