Every year IG joins a group of over 200 companies from across the global maritime community and raises funds for Mercy Ships, a charity which brings free life-saving care to Africa’s most vulnerable aboard two hospital ships. It is an incredible challenge to keep these two ships running and the many surgeons aboard working: significant funding is required.
September’s Mercy Ships Gala Dinner in Geneva celebrated the shipping industry’s 2024 achievement of raising $2.3m for the charity. This was accomplished by companies pledging cargoes, making donations and sharing commissions on Mercy Ships Cargo Day. A further $300,000 was raised at the dinner’s auction which included a significant sum donated by IG.
This year’s Mercy Ships Cargo Day takes place on 5 November, and IG has been working closely with the Dry Bulk Committee, represented by Manu Ravano (IFCHOR GALBRAITHS), Victor Boutrolle (BRS), Guy Wilson (Arrow) and Nico Lamoine (Clarksons), to build further support from the dry bulk community.
This community will rally and contribute under the name “Bulk for Mercy,” the new extension of Cargo Day. The donations from dry in 2024 jumped by 100% on the previous year and stood at $500K. The ambition is for these donations to increase by another 100% in 2025 by involving about 50 companies worldwide. Bulk for Mercy represents a collective effort of the Dry Bulk Committee, encouraging pledges and donations through fixtures and cargoes.
This year, on top of the usual Mercy Cargo to be given to the market, companies will also be able to make a pledge or donation via a link that will be shared by participating brokers. The fundraising window opens on 5 November and runs until the end of the year, and the Dry Bulk Committee is proud to support this vital charity alongside IG.
To learn more about Mercy Ships see Who Is Mercy Ships?