Mercy Ships: The Global Mercy Tenerife
Design and Specification | Healthcare
M J Medical has worked with Electrio on a number of medical projects. They approached us on behalf of the American Charity ‘Mercy Ships’ to assist with the upgrade of electrical system in the medical areas of a massive new ship - The Global Mercy.
About the project
The Global Mercy is the largest civil hospital ship in the world. It was being docked in Tenerife for a four-month installation period. It had been built in China over the previous six years and required additional upgrades to its medical areas.
Work required included replacing the existing 1No 110V UPS feeding American outlets and the 1No 230V UPS feeding European outlets in the wards, theatres, recovery and ITU areas and installing IPS Units throughout the decks feeding group 2 locations with integrated alarms systems.
Five of Electrio’s apprentices took part in the project, working overseas during the three month duration. It was a unique experience that will be certainly be beneficial to their development.
How we approached this challenging project
Electrio engaged with tried and tested suppliers, including Nigel Plowman of Phoenix Power Solutions - an experienced expert in UPS installation within the marine environment, Bender UK for the IPS units and Knight Switchgear Services for the panels.
Using miles of marine grade cables we installed all of the power, alarm and containment systems to fulfil the new distribution requirements. MIG, who were installing a new medical gas pipe system throughout the ship, supplied new Cableflow trunking. Our team disconnected and removed all of the bed head trunking systems so that the new trunking could be installed.
Challenges
Working with a Delta wiring system, with no Neutral as opposed to our standard star system with a centre tapped Neutral and the two voltages, as well as the Chinese wiring methods and switch panels, made for some interesting discussions. All works were carried out with restricted access, and in confined spaces, using BA sets and rescue plans through main generator rooms, plant areas, risers, medical areas and theatres.
A truly rewarding experience
Despite the challenges working in Tenerife was a great experience. We had some lovely weather and the team from Mercy Ships, including staff and volunteers, really helped to make this a very rewarding experience. Their dedication and commitment to delivering this amazing service to people in very deprived areas of the world was a true inspiration to us all.