Stena Line’s first volunteer on-board Africa Mercy
After a year of preparation, Stena Line’s first volunteer is on-board Mercy Ships’ hospital ship Africa Mercy. In addition to fundraising and raising awareness for the humanitarian NGO, Stena Line aims to contribute with knowledge and the unique technical and naval competence held by its employees.
During the year, a minimum of two employees will work for Mercy Ships. First volunteer out from Stena Line is Third Engineer Johnny Joensuu. He got on-board in Camerun and is currently aiding in sailing the ship to Las Palmas where it will be for maintenance before setting sails for Guinea. This week, he will also be joined by Stena Lines second volunteer Maria Ekstrand.
– It’s always exciting to be the first one out and you’ll get a chance like this once in your life. I really enjoy life on-board, the atmosphere is great and everyone has been very helpful. Also, we just passed the equator which I something I’ve always wanted to do, says Johnny Joensuu, Second Engineer at Stena Line.
The volunteer program is part of Stena Line’s sustainability work which bridges over all three dimensions of sustainability; economical, ecological and social.
– For us, social responsibility is about being a sustainable employer and to contribute to a more sustainable world by helping others. Thanks to our partnership with Mercy Ships we are able to share the knowledge and experience we have after 50 years in this business, and more importantly the unique technical and naval competence held by its employees, says Niclas Mårtensson, CEO at Stena Line.
Stena Line’s volunteer program was launched in 2017 and employees from all of the shipping company’s eight regions are encouraged to apply. In accordance to Mercy Ships' values, all volunteers work for free. Stena Line however, guarantees leave of absence and provides for the journey and all required vaccinations.
For more information please contact:
Julia Fridlund, Content and Communications Specialist Stena Line
+46 704 85 85 43, julia.fridlund@stenaline.com
Tomas Fransson, National Director Mercy Ships Sweden
+46 72 985 07 77, tomas.fransson@mercyships.org
About Stena Line
Stena Line is one of Europe's leading ferry companies with 38 vessels and 21 routes in Northern Europe. Stena Line is an important part of the European logistics network and develops new intermodal freight solutions by combining transport by rail, road and sea. Stena Line also plays an important role for tourism in Europe with its extensive passenger operations. The company is family-owned, was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Gothenburg. For more information please visit www.stenaline.com
About Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class health care services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 70 countries providing services valued at more than $1.3 billion, treating more than 2.5 million direct beneficiaries. Each year Mercy Ships efforts involve an average of 1,000 volunteers from up to 40 nations. For more information please visist www.mercyships.org
