Baltic Exchange was honoured to host a table of members across the industry at the 10th Mercy Ships Cargo Day Gala Event in Geneva last week, on 30 September.

The Mercy Ships charity operates hospital ships that provide free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to such care. These ships sail the African coasts along with a crew of volunteer medical professionals from around the world.

Now a regular highlight of the shipping calendar, the evening gives the industry an opportunity to showcase its support for the exceptional work Mercy Ships does. More than 500 attendees from over 150 shipping and trading companies gathered at the Haute Ecole d'Art et Design in Geneva, with many flying in especially for the occasion. Honoring the efforts behind Cargo Day, attendees learnt that the industry has raised $20 million in the last ten years, with special anniversary awards going to BRS, Clarksons and Clearlake for each contributing over $1 million in that time.

The gala itself raised over $740,000, with the amount to be doubled by Mercy Ships donors, whilst the full Cargo Day total took the amount to close to $2.6 million. This also included proceeds from an auction that took place at the event, with a ship model of the Africa Mercy II selling for $300,000.

Cargo Day is an annual online fundraising event each November, where participating companies can either pledge a donation, nominate cargoes, or donate up to 100% of commissions and address commissions to help provide lasting impact. Cargo Day 2026 is set to take place on 4 November. Please click here to learn more.