This year’s World Maritime Day theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, underscores the vital role the ocean plays in supporting life and highlights the shared duty to protect it. Few stories embody this sentiment more than that of Emmanuel, a 34-year-old Nigerian maritime officer aboard the Global Mercy™. For Emmanuel, the ocean represents far more than a transport route for goods – it is a force that connects people and nations. With 40% of the global population living along coastlines, the ocean is crucial not only for trade but also for reaching those in need.
“95% of world trade is dependent on the maritime industry, and I was fascinated by the amount of wealth a nation stands to gain if they have a properly developed maritime system.”
Emmanuel’s maritime career began on oil and gas tankers, where he gained valuable experience in ship-to-ship operations, oil transfer, manoeuvring, cargo handling, seamanship, and bridge watch.
“I learned a lot about navigation, cargo handling, seamanship, and bridge watch.”
Despite this professional success, Emmanuel felt a calling to use his maritime skills for a greater humanitarian purpose. His search led him to Mercy Ships, where his expertise became a lifeline for those most in need.
His first experience with Mercy Ships came in 2024 when he served for three months aboard the Africa Mercy®.
“Speaking as a sailor, it was totally different from what you would find on a commercial vessel,” he said. “Mercy Ships made me really see the need in Africa. It was mind blowing to see that in just one field service, the ship carries out over a thousand surgeries. I’m happy this is happening in Africa, and I get to be a part of it.”
Just as the ocean sustains these missions, Emmanuel recognises that it also requires care in return.
That is why Mercy Ships is committed to protecting the marine environment, with sustainable practices integrated into daily life on board. Bio-reactor sewage plants, supported by green cleaning products, ensure that only clean water is discharged. Ballast water treatment systems safeguard biodiversity by preventing invasive marine species from spreading between oceans.
“Our ships sail because the ocean allows them to,” Emmanuel says. “It is our responsibility to respect the waters we navigate, because they are alive, and they connect us all.”
Sustainability also guides the design of the Global Mercy, which consumes 15% less energy thanks to advanced air-conditioning systems, recycles up to half of its water, and encourages volunteers to follow a “two-minute shower” guideline. Day-to-day choices further support these efforts: coffee and tea are served in reusable mugs, each volunteer is issued a refillable water bottle to limit plastic use, and waste management is prioritised. Medical waste is incinerated safely on board, while electronic equipment is stored until it can be recycled in Europe.
“I definitely recommend serving on Mercy Ships to other seafarers,” Emmanuel asserted. “Even if it’s just one time. It has a way of changing your outlook on how the maritime industry should operate.”
