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ABB is to deliver electrical propulsion and power systems to a new flagship hospital vessel for the Mercy Ships organization.

The vessel, Atlantic Mercy (working title), is to be built by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) at the Tianjin Xingang Shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in 2017. The Atlantic Mercy project construction is to be managed by Stena RoRo.

To be certified as a passenger vessel, the Atlantic Mercy is due to be fitted with a pair of ABB's Azipod C propulsion units.

ABB's scope of delivery includes an Azipod C electrical propulsion system, which ABB noted provides "a high level of manoeuvrability, reliability and passenger comfort due to minimal vibration", and the main electrical power plant.

When completed, the Atlantic Mercy will be the world's largest civilian hospital vessel. The 37,000-gross-tonne (gt) ship will feature full hospital, accommodation and training facilities, and once in service, it will expand the Mercy Ship organization's activity on the African continent. There will be two hospital decks onboard and six surgery rooms that can be used for both medical care and educational training. The ship will have beds for 109 acute-care patients, 45 self-care patients and more than 487 crew members and medical staff in 277 cabins. While in port, the ship's capacity increases to 950 people.

"We have done many challenging newbuildings over the years, but this is truly a fantastic project to work with. To know that the work we do on behalf of Mercy Ships can contribute to the wellbeing of so many make ourselves and selected partners such as ABB very proud to be involved," said Staffan Stenfelt, newbuilding manager at Stena RoRo.

The power production system on board the Atlantic Mercy is designed to ensure power supply for the hospital functions in any possible fault situation, ABB said. In addition, the power and propulsion plant will be supported by a remote diagnostics system and around-the-clock telephone assistance to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Jim Paterson, senior vice president for Mercy Ships' marine operations, said: "Our hospital ships operate in environments where reliable power is not always available. Even if shore power was available, we could not count on it to provide a safe and clean source of power to operate our hospitals. Our ships have to be pretty self-sufficient and able to provide, not only for the hospital, but also for the 400-plus crew, staff and family members who serve on board. A reliable power source and distribution system is critical for this to happen. Using Azipod propulsion also enables us to dock in tight spots and not be dependent on tug support for arrival or even unexpected departures."