Mercy Ships’ annual Cargo Day looks set to be its biggest fundraiser yet, with organizers confident the maritime community will boost this year’s total by more than $2.2 million as pledges soar across the industry. The 2025 campaign – which officially launched on November 5 and runs until the end of the year – has already passed $1.6 million, putting it firmly on track for a record-breaking result and organizers hope to reach the $2.5 million target.
Cargo Day has become one of shipping’s most integrated charitable efforts since launching in 2016, contributing directly to freight commissions, sustainability revenues and the operation of Mercy Ships’ hospital ships. Africa mercy and this global mercy —The world’s largest non-government hospital ship. More than 150 companies have participated since the initiative launched, helping to raise approximately $15 million to date.
This year’s 10th anniversary campaign holds particularly emotional significance. The original idea of Cargo Day came from the late Tim Webb of BRS, who pioneered the first event by persuading tanker charterers to offer “mercy cargoes” and encouraging brokers to donate 50% of their commissions, with charterers also matching the effort. What started as a tanker market initiative has since expanded to include dry bulk, shipowners, shipbuilders, terminals, agents, suppliers and service providers, many of whom now run their own fundraisers or pledge fixed sums.
The fund supports thousands of free surgeries every year, from cataract and cleft lip procedures to complex orthopedic and maxillofacial operations. They also underpin Mercy Ships’ medical training programs, which equip hundreds of African health workers with new skills and support long-term capacity building.
Companies participating in Cargo Day also receive recognition through the official website, demonstrating the breadth of the industry’s support.
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