cruise ships horns silenced

Single noise complaint silences some cruise ship horns

The move has sparked a petition from other locals to reinstate the horns, which has gained more than 1,200 signatures.

Scotland reporter @Jenster13

Monday 5 June 2023 15:58, UK

Cruise ship captains have been silenced from sounding their horns as they leave a Highland port after officials received a single noise complaint.

Vessels sailing from Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon, Easter Ross, have been asked not to blast their horns as they bid farewell.

The Port of Cromarty Firth is now seeking views on the traditional goodbye.

Toria Anderson, from Cromarty, started the petition at the weekend and said the community was "appalled" and "very upset" that the horns have been stopped.

She added: "Liners have been passing Cromarty for many years and sounding their horns as a way of communication.

"Cromarty residents and visitors love seeing the liners pass and the horns sounding.

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"We are entering key tourist time and both tourists and locals love to wave farewell to the liners. A blast of the horn has happened for years and is a tradition."

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The port authority will discuss all feedback received with nine local community councils later this month.

A spokesperson said: "At the moment, following a complaint from a member of the public in Cromarty, cruise ships are still being asked to refrain from sounding their horns as they leave the Firth.

"If people feel strongly for or against the ships' farewell horn blasts, we urge them to share their feedback with their local community council or directly with the port before 29 June, so that this can be taken into account.

"The ships continue to sound their horns as they leave Invergordon and, if the communities of Cromarty and Nigg feel strongly about them sounding their horns as they leave the Firth, we will respect the wishes they express and advise the cruise ship operators accordingly."

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Cruise ships’ horns silenced after single complaint from local

Cruise ships departing from the main port in the Highlands have been silenced after a single local complained of being deafened by their blasts.

Captains sailing vessels away from Invergordon — a popular stop because of its proximity to attractions such as Loch Ness — have been instructed not to blow their horns when leaving the Cromarty Firth.

Officials from Port of Cromarty Firth confirmed the measures have been imposed after a complaint from an unhappy resident.

Cruise ships and large vessels will traditionally give one prolonged foghorn blast as they leave port as they bid farewell.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for Port of Cromarty Firth said they were doing everything they could to resolve the issue.

She said: “We can confirm that following

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Single noise complaint silences some cruise ship horns

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 Favorite

Cruise ship captains have been silenced from sounding their horns as they leave a Highland port after officials received a single noise complaint.

Vessels sailing from Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon, Easter Ross, have been asked not to blast their horns as they bid farewell.

The Port of Cromarty Firth is now seeking views on the traditional goodbye.

The move has sparked a petition from other locals to reinstate the horns, which has gained more than 1,200 signatures.

Toria Anderson, from Cromarty, started the petition at the weekend and said the community was “appalled” and “very upset” that the horns have been stopped.

She added that liners have been passing Cromarty for many years and sounding their horns as a way of communication.

The port authority will discuss all feedback received with nine local community councils later this month.

A spokesperson said that at the moment, following a complaint from a member of the public in Cromarty, cruise ships are still being asked to refrain from sounding their horns as they leave the Firth.

The ships continue to sound their horns as they leave Invergordon and, if the communities of Cromarty and Nigg feel strongly about them sounding their horns as they leave the Firth, they will respect the wishes they express and advise the cruise ship operators accordingly.

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Here’s What The Horns Sounding on a Cruise Ship Mean

You’re on your cruise ship. The entire week is ahead of you. You’re excited about the exotic ports of call, the food, the shows… and yes, the time off from email and the cell phone. You have a drink in your hand. You’re in paradise.

And then… HOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNKKKKKK. HOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNKKKKKK.

The ship’s horn sounds loudly. It’s enough to scare you half to death.

While the horns on a cruise ship may surprise you, they are an extremely important aspect of sailing. The ship’s horns harken back to a day before radios and loudspeakers.

They serve as communication with other boats in the area, telling them what the cruise ship is planning to do. Without the horn signals, the risk of a collision would be much greater.

So what do they mean?

As you would guess, different horns have different meanings. We’ve broken down the horn signals with what they mean below.

Inland Waters (Near Port)

One short blast = Changing course to starboard (right) Two short blasts = Changing course to port (left) Three short blasts = Operating in reverse Five short blasts = Danger signal Two long blasts = Leaving berth

Open International Waters

One short blast = Passing on ship’s port side Two short blasts = Passing on ship’s starboard side Three short blasts = Operating in reverse Five short blasts = Danger signal

In addition, ships will also sound their horns for other reasons; most notably in low visibility. This will usually involved regular bursts of sound to let other ships in the area know that the cruise ship is there.

And when a cruise ship makes the sound heard below? Well, that’s just them blowing off a little steam and having some fun.

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After one prolonged blast, the boater alerts nearby vessels that it is leaving the slip or dock.

A general emergency alarm is indicated by these seven short and one long blasts of the ship’s horn. The crew may have to leave the ship due to an onboard fire, a grounding, a collision, or other circumstances. In some cases, the crew can hear the ship’s bells or whistles.

It’s 5:59 am and ships are coming in to port when all of a sudden we hear 5 blast????

Danger I do not understand your intentions

Would you happen to know what one VERY long blast means?

I just heard a cruise ship give seven short blast and one long blast… it is at the dock and is departing. Any ideas what this might mean? I have never heard this before, and I live right near the cruise ship terminal.

That’s the emergency signal that’s given during the safety muster drill.

Cool! Thank you!

Did the 1920’s transatlantic passenger ships, prior to leaving, have a signal ‘to get on board.’

I’m not sure.

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Single noise complaint silences some cruise ship horns.

Cruise ship captains have been silenced from sounding their horns as they leave a Highland port after officials received a single noise complaint.

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That ship has sailed! As port bans boats from sounding horns as they leave because of ONE noise complaint, worries grow that the tradition will become a blast from the past

• Ships sailing from Invergordon, Easter Ross, have been told not to use horns 

By Mike Merritt For The Daily Mail

Published: 20:17 EDT, 4 June 2023 | Updated: 20:22 EDT, 4 June 2023

View comments

It is the traditional farewell given by cruise ships the world over.

But now captains have been banned from sounding their horns as they leave a Scottish port after officials received a single noise complaint.

Cruise ships sailing from Invergordon, Easter Ross, have been told not to use their horns on leaving the Cromarty Firth.

Port officials confirmed the measure has been imposed in the wake of a complaint from a peeved resident. The move has prompted a petition from other locals to reinstate the horns, which last night had been signed by more than 1,000 people.

Cruise ships and large vessels traditionally give one prolonged foghorn blast as they leave any port they visit to bid farewell.

Ships at Invergordon can no longer blast their horn on departure. It is the traditional farewell given by cruise ships the world over

A spokesman for Port of Cromarty Firth said it was doing everything it could to resolve the issue, adding: 'We can confirm that following a complaint from a resident in Cromarty, we have advised the cruise ship masters to refrain from blowing their horns as they leave the Firth.

'As good neighbours we take complaints from our communities seriously and will do everything we can to resolve their issues.'

Cromarty local Laura Thompson said hearing ship horns go off has never been a source of irritation for her.

She said: 'I don't mind the horn. Lots of people go down and watch the ships leave so I'm sure people enjoy it.

'I heard one the other day that was playing a tune, which was quite funny.'

The petition to bring back the horns was started by Toria Anderson. She said: 'It has come to light that an individual in Cromarty complained about cruise liners sounding their horns.

'The port authority have advised all liners to stop sounding their horns.

'Cromarty as a community are appalled by this and very upset. Liners have been passing Cromarty for many years and sounding their horns as a way of communication.

Cruise ships sailing from Invergordon, Easter Ross, have been told not to use their horns on leaving the Cromarty Firth (File image)

'Cromarty residents and visitors love seeing the liners pass and the horns sounding.

'On a safety aspect – cruise liners alongside other boats need to sound their horns to alert of their passing especially in foggy conditions or in limited visibility. We must make a stand and bring back the horns of the cruise liners. We are entering key tourist time and both tourists and locals love to wave farewell to the liners.

'A blast of the horn has happened for years and is a tradition. Sign the petition and bring back the horns to our community.'

Cromarty Firth will welcome record numbers of passengers and ships during the 2023 cruising season, which runs from April to October. More than 125 liners are scheduled to visit, bringing in around 200,000 tourists.

The port authority website says: 'The port has been welcoming cruise ships since 1978. We are the closest cruise port to Loch Ness and its famous monster.'

Share or comment on this article: That ship has sailed! Port bans boats from sounding horns as they leave after ONE noise complaint

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Have Cromarty Firth cruise liner horn blasts been silenced for good? The jury is out...

CRUISE ships sounding a farewell blast of the horn as they leave the Cromarty Firth are being asked to refrain from doing so – for now – following a complaint.

A wrangle has broken out over the issue after a complaint apparently logged by a resident of the Black Isle community of Cromarty over the practice.

A record-breaking number of cruise liners are visiting the deep water port of Invergordon this season in a trade estimated to be worth £20m to the Highland economy.

RELATED: Invergordon visited by biggest cruise liner of season to date

With more than 125 vessel visits currently scheduled, at least 200,000 seaborne tourists are expected to arrive at the Easter Ross Port between April and mid-October.

But the sounding of horns – a long-standing practice – has created strong feelings after a complaint, with a petition now circulating appealing for the return of the tradition.

The Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) today meanwhile said it would be seeking the views of local communities on the long-standing practice of cruise ships sounding their horns as they leave the Firth.

The PoCF holds quarterly joint meetings with the nine community councils which border the Firth and the complaint and feedback about the farewell traditions will be discussed at their next meeting on June 29.

A spokesperson for the PoCF said: “At the moment, following a complaint from a member of the public in Cromarty, cruise ships are still being asked to refrain from sounding their horns as they leave the Firth.

“We will seek the views of the communities around the Firth at our next quarterly joint community councils meeting later this month. If people feel strongly for or against the ship’s farewell horn blasts, we urge them to share their feedback with their local community council or directly with the Port before the June 29, so that this can be taken into account.

“The ships continue to sound their horns as they leave Invergordon and, If the communities of Cromarty and Nigg feel strongly about them sounding their horns as they leave the Firth, we will respect the wishes they express and advise the cruise ship operators accordingly.”

One bemused local resident took to social media to state: "Let ships toot their hooters as they pass through the Sutors."

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Cruise ships banned from sounding horn in Invergordon following complaints from unhappy resident

Captains have been instructed not to blow the horns of their cruise ships when leaving the Cromarty Firth.

Cruise ships departing from Invergordon have been told to stay quiet following a complaint from a disgruntled resident.

Captains sailing vessels away from the Highland port have been instructed not to blow their horns when leaving the Cromarty Firth.

Officials from Port of Cromarty Firth confirmed the measures have been imposed following a complaint from an unhappy local.

The landmark decision marks the end of a long-standing tradition for skippers.

Cruise ships and large vessels will traditionally give one prolonged foghorn blast as they leave port as they bid farewell.

‘Everyone has the right to an opinion’

In a statement, a spokeswoman for Port of Cromarty Firth said they were doing everything they can to resolve the issue.

She said: “We can confirm that following a complaint from a resident in Cromarty, we have advised the cruise ship masters to refrain from blowing their horns as they leave the Firth.

“As good neighbours, we take complaints from residents in our communities very seriously and will do everything we can to resolve their issues.”

Cromarty resident Laura Thompson said hearing the ship’s horns go off has never been a source of irritation for her.

She said: “Everyone has the right to an opinion. Personally, I don’t mind the horn.

“Lots of people go down and watch the ships leave so I’m sure people do enjoy it.

“I live quite close and I heard one the other day that was playing a tune, which was quite funny.”

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Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers

Things to Know Before You Cruise

Why Cruise Ships Blow Their Horns: Signals, Safety, And Fun!

As a veteran cruiser, I’ve always been curious about why cruise ships blow their horns. I knew that the horns served a practical purpose, but I was also aware that they were used for more playful activities, like horn battles and musical performances. So, I decided to do some research and learn more about the various signals, safety uses, and fun aspects of cruise ship horns.

As it turns out, there’s a lot more to cruise ship horns than meets the eye. These horns play a crucial role in communication, navigation, and safety at sea. From warning other vessels of their presence to signaling their intentions to dock, cruise ship horns are an essential tool for navigating the waters.

But they’re also used for more lighthearted activities, like entertaining passengers and engaging in friendly competitions with other ships. In this article, we’ll explore the different meanings behind cruise ship horns and delve into the fun side of these musical instruments.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a curious landlubber, read on to discover the fascinating world of cruise ship horns!

• Cruise ship horns serve multiple functions, including communication with other vessels, navigation signals, warnings, and fog alerts.
• Different horn signals have different meanings and can be combined to convey multiple messages, including emergency alerts and information about the ship’s heading.
• Horn battles are a fun way for two cruise ships to communicate with each other, and Disney Cruise Line is known for having the most musical horns and impressive battles.
• Passengers should be aware of the loudness of cruise ship horns and cover small children’s ears when they sound. It’s also important to understand the various horn signals and their meanings for safety reasons.

Why Cruise Ships Blow Their Horns

I’ve learned that cruise ship horns serve many purposes, such as communicating with other vessels and warning passengers of imminent danger. However, one specific example of why horns are used is to reduce the risk of collision by indicating the ship’s direction.

This is especially important in crowded waterways like the Panama Canal, where multiple vessels are navigating at the same time. The horn’s sound can travel for miles and is a crucial tool for navigation communication.

The design of the horn also plays a significant role in its effectiveness. Cruise ship horns are designed to produce a loud and clear sound that can be heard up to two nautical miles away in foggy conditions. This is important for safety reasons, as it allows other vessels to determine the location and direction of the ship.

The number and placement of horns on a cruise ship will vary depending on the ship’s design, but they are an essential tool for safe navigation at sea.

Different Horn Signals

Understanding the meanings of various horn signals is crucial for any maritime traveler. It’s not just about being able to impress fellow passengers with your knowledge, it’s about safety and etiquette. Different signals are used to convey different messages, and it’s important to know what each one means in order to avoid collisions and other potential dangers.

Here’s a table that outlines some common horn signals and their meanings:

Knowing these signals and using them appropriately is essential for safe maritime travel. It’s also important to remember horn etiquette – don’t use your horn unnecessarily, and never use it to intimidate or show off. By following these guidelines, we can all enjoy a safe and respectful journey on the high seas.

Safety and Emergency Uses

In case of an emergency, it’s important to know the different horn signals used in maritime travel to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.

Cruise ships have specific communication protocols to convey different types of emergency situations. The ship’s horn is used to warn passengers of imminent danger, such as a fire or a collision with another vessel. The signal for this emergency is seven short blasts followed by one long blast. This signal means that all passengers should assemble at their designated muster stations for evacuation procedures.

In addition to the emergency signal, cruise ships also use the horn to communicate other important safety information. For example, the signal for a man overboard is three long blasts, which means the crew should immediately begin search and rescue operations.

It’s important for passengers to pay attention to these signals and follow all safety instructions provided by the crew in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience.

Horn Battles and Fun Activities

It’s always amusing to witness two massive vessels engaging in a musical competition on the open sea, don’t you think? Horn battles have become increasingly popular among cruise lines as a way to create a fun and friendly atmosphere onboard.

However, there is a certain etiquette that needs to be followed to ensure that the competition remains safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

First and foremost, horn battles should only be done in open waters and away from other vessels. Cruise ships are massive and powerful, so it’s important to ensure that they don’t accidentally collide with each other or cause any harm to nearby ships.

Additionally, the battle should be brief and not disturb other passengers who may be trying to relax or sleep.

Despite these guidelines, horn battles have become a beloved tradition among cruise enthusiasts, with Disney Cruise Line leading the pack with their impressive musical horns and elaborate battles.

What is the history of cruise ship horns and how have they evolved over time?

The evolution of cruise ship horns can be traced back to their role in navigation and warning signals. With advancements in sound engineering and acoustics, cruise ship horns are now designed to be heard from a distance of two nautical miles, while also adding a tunefulness to the travel experience.

How do cruise ships ensure that their horns are audible from two nautical miles away in foggy conditions?

To ensure that cruise ship horns are audible from two nautical miles away in foggy conditions, technological advancements in sound engineering have been implemented. These advancements enable the horns to produce a loud and clear sound that can easily be heard, promoting safety at sea.

Can passengers request to participate in a horn battle between their ship and another ship?

Passengers cannot request to participate in a horn battle as it violates regulations and etiquette. Horn battles have a history of being fun, but safety is a priority. Exploring cruise ship horns is fascinating, but professional and technical.

What is the protocol for using the horn in case of a medical emergency onboard the ship?

In case of a medical emergency onboard the ship, the notification protocol is activated immediately. The horn usage is one of the onboard procedures used to signal for emergency response, ensuring passenger safety.

Are there any regulations or restrictions on the use of cruise ship horns in certain parts of the world or during certain times of day?

Did you know that regulations and time restrictions on cruise ship horns vary by location? In some areas, such as Alaska, there are strict noise pollution regulations, while in others, there are time restrictions to limit the environmental impact.

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Cruise ship captains silenced from sounding farewell horn after single complaint

Cruise ship captains have been silenced from sounding their horns as they depart a Highland port after officers obtained a single noise grievance.

Vessels crusing from Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon, Easter Ross, have been requested to not blast their horns as they bid farewell.

The Port of Cromarty Firth is now in search of views on the normal goodbye.

The transfer has sparked a petition from different locals to reinstate the horns, which has gained greater than 1,200 signatures.

Toria Anderson, from Cromarty, began the petition on the weekend and mentioned the neighborhood was “appalled” and “very upset” that the horns have been stopped.

She added: “Liners have been passing Cromarty for many years and sounding their horns as a way of communication.

“Cromarty residents and guests love seeing the liners move and the horns sounding.

“We are entering key tourist time and both tourists and locals love to wave farewell to the liners. A blast of the horn has happened for years and is a tradition.”

Read extra: Quantum Energy Partners invests £300m in Ardersier Port Scotland to realize two new freeports following profitable bids

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Royal navy’s ‘Bond ship’

The port authority will talk about all suggestions obtained with 9 local people councils later this month.

A spokesperson mentioned: “At the moment, following a complaint from a member of the public in Cromarty, cruise ships are still being asked to refrain from sounding their horns as they leave the Firth.

“If folks really feel strongly for or in opposition to the ships’ farewell horn blasts, we urge them to share their suggestions with their local people council or straight with the port earlier than 29 June, in order that this may be taken under consideration.

“The ships continue to sound their horns as they leave Invergordon and, if the communities of Cromarty and Nigg feel strongly about them sounding their horns as they leave the Firth, we will respect the wishes they express and advise the cruise ship operators accordingly.”

Source: information.sky.com”

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Single noise complaint silences some cruise ship horns

Cruise ship captains have been silenced from sounding their horns as they leave a Highland port after officials received a single noise complaint.

Vessels sailing from Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon, Easter Ross, have been asked not to blast their horns as they bid farewell.

The Port of Cromarty Firth is now seeking views on the traditional goodbye.

The move has sparked a petition from other locals to reinstate the horns, which has gained more than 1,200 signatures.

Toria Anderson, from Cromarty, started the petition at the weekend and said the community was "appalled" and "very upset" that the horns have been stopped.

She added: "Liners have been passing Cromarty for many years and sounding their horns as a way of communication.

"Cromarty residents and visitors love seeing the liners pass and the horns sounding.

"We are entering key tourist time and both tourists and locals love to wave farewell to the liners. A blast of the horn has happened for years and is a tradition."

Read more: Quantum Energy Partners invests £300m in Ardersier Port Scotland to gain two new freeports following successful bids

The port authority will discuss all feedback received with nine local community councils later this month.

A spokesperson said: "At the moment, following a complaint from a member of the public in Cromarty, cruise ships are still being asked to refrain from sounding their horns as they leave the Firth.

"If people feel strongly for or against the ships' farewell horn blasts, we urge them to share their feedback with their local community council or directly with the port before 29 June, so that this can be taken into account.

"The ships continue to sound their horns as they leave Invergordon and, if the communities of Cromarty and Nigg feel strongly about them sounding their horns as they leave the Firth, we will respect the wishes they express and advise the cruise ship operators accordingly."

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What Do Cruise Ship Horn Signal Blasts Mean?

One of the first things you'll notice when cruising is that cruise ships have a VERY loud horn that while it could be used like your car's horn - actually has a more sophisticated use. While you might just blast your car's horn at a driver that cuts you off, or tap it to let someone know they can go, cruise ships have an internationally recognized set of horn signals that lets everyone around them know exactly what's going on.

When Were The Cruise Ship Horn Signals Established?

In fact, signal horns aren't isn't just for cruise ships. They were codified in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in 1972 and apply to all maritime vessels. In the United States, a similar act was passed in 1980 called the Inland Navigation Rules Act and is a federal statute approved by Congress. However, they were based on earlier conventions and maritime law as practices by the United States and England starting in the mid-19th century. I'm not going to get into more detail about the legal details of these rules regulating horn signals since there are so many vessels out there. Suffice to say, every modern cruise ship adheres to the same simple regulations around signals, regardless of whether they are cruising to Mexico, Canada, or California along the west coast, or an expedition to Antarctica. 

What Do Cruise Ship Horn Signals Mean?

There are six different signal horn blast patterns that you will hear on a cruise ship, though the sixth one I hope you will never hear!

One Short Blast - This signal means that your cruise ship intends to pass on it's port side. In inland waters near the port or harbor, this also indicates the cruise ship is changing course to starboard.

One Long Blast - This signal lasting 4-6 seconds means that your ship is leaving the dock. It is a notice to all others around it to be aware that the ship is moving.

Two Short Blasts - Similar to One Short Blast meaning that your ship is passing on the port side, two short blasts means your ship will be passing another on it's starbord side. When in inland waters, this signal horn also means that the ship is changing course to port.

Three Short Blasts - This signal blast means that the ship is backing away from the dock.

One Long Blast Followed by Three Short Blasts - This is actually a combination of two signals horn blasts, letting those around you know that your cruise ship is underway and backing away from the dock.

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Five Short Blasts - DANGER! This is a horn signal that you hope to never hear when on a cruise. Regardless of which vessel you are on, this is never a signal blast pattern that you want to hear. Unfortunately, cruise ships are massive vessels and navigation at sea is often an imprecise practice that puts even the best pilot and captain at the mercy of strong and unpredictable winds and currents.

There's also one more signal that very few people will ever hear outside of a drill ...

Seven Short Horn Blasts followed by One Long Blast -  This horn signal indicates a general emergency and will also be accompanied by alarms and visual indicators depending on the ship you are sailing on. 

Cruise Ship Horns Can Be Just For Fun Too!

While cruise ships carry powerful signal horns to ensure safety and communicate with other vessels and structures around them in the harbor, sometimes the horns are used for fun too. No cruise line does this more frequently and with as great sophistication as Disney Cruise Line, though it is not uncommon to hear music produced by the horns on MSC and Cunard ships too.

So now you know what cruise ship horn signals mean and when to expect them. Be careful though if you are on the upper decks during sailaway since forward viewing areas on the upper decks of some ships can be uncomfortablly close to the signal horns. If that's where you find yourself, be prepared to cover your ears!

MSC and Mercy Ships International to Build a Hospital Ship

• April 22, 2024

MSC Group, MSC Foundation and the charity Mercy Ships International have reached an agreement to build a new hospital ship, according to a press release.

The new ship will provide free surgery and training to thousands of people in Africa.

The agreement was finalized by Captain Gianluigi Aponte, chairman of MSC Group and MSC Foundation, Diego Aponte, MSC group president and Member of the MSC Foundation Board, and Mercy Ships Founder Don Stephens on April 8, kickstarting the project with a donation from MSC Foundation.

Captain Aponte said: “I spent part of my childhood and early years in the shipping industry in the Horn of Africa, it is a region close to my heart. I saw firsthand the challenges faced by many local communities there and this shaped my conviction that improving the availability of healthcare would bring real and lasting impact for them. It has been extremely gratifying to work with Don and provide this crucial support through his unique organization Mercy Ships, our partnership has reaped extraordinary results already and now we are on the verge of expanding their fleet to increase this support. I truly look forward to seeing this new ship set sail to help more communities across Africa.”

Stephens added: “The investment of many around the world towards a fleet of hospital ships will be enhanced by the future of our new purpose-built vessel. The mission of Mercy Ships to bring hope and healing is only possible by the generosity of our partners, volunteer crew, and the provision of God. Today, I am grateful to MSC for their support.”

The new ship will have the capacity to accommodate approximately 600 crew members and guests. The hospital will span two decks and 7,000 square meters, featuring six operating rooms, a fully equipped laboratory and training spaces including a simulation lab. 

Diego Aponte said: “I have always been passionate about Africa and I was struck by the extraordinary and honorable nature of Don’s initiative when it was first presented, and these made me want to be involved in a significant way. Mercy Ships brings tangible and concrete support to thousands of families across the region, and with MSC Group’s major presence there we have a duty to give back to the local communities. This vessel is yet another milestone in our vision to support the African continent with achieving a truly prosperous and sustainable destiny.”

Gert van de Weerdhof, CEO, Mercy Ships said: “This new hospital ship brings state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to support the nations we serve. This new vessel and her future crew will enable us to meet surgical needs while supporting host nations as they develop healthcare systems with their next generation of medical professionals.”

Daniela Picco, MSC Foundation executive director, said: “We are extremely proud of our support for Mercy Ships through grant-making and in-kind donations and of the transformative impacts their free services and training have had on 18,000 medical professionals and community leaders, and 30,300 patients of all ages through 33,200 surgeries since 2011.

“When the discussion started with Mercy Ships’ founder Don Stephens to build a new ship together, I was delighted to facilitate this game-changing commitment to accompany Mercy Ships into the coming decades.”

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