Project details
Following our successful collaboration on GLOBAL MERCY, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, our interior design team was once again appointed by Mercy Ships to design the interiors for their next ship - the third hospital ship in their fleet.
This new ship is a sister ship to Global Mercy, also designed by OSK Design, and continues the same humanitarian mission - delivering surgical care to some of the world’s most underserved regions - while also serving as a home for its volunteer crew, many of whom live on board for extended periods. The project called for a holistic interior design approach that could balance hospital-grade functionality with the warmth and comfort of long-term living at sea.
Client
Mercy Ships
Category
Hospital ship (ferry)
Year
2028
Disciplines
Interior design, onboard flow, deck arrangements
Contact person
Daniel Soto Martínez
Our approach
Our design builds on the foundation laid with Global Mercy, while integrating a range of thoughtful upgrades informed by user feedback and operational insights from the first ship.
The auditorium has been completely reimagined with a new interior layout and visual identity. A custom carpet design supports flexible use, enabling chairs to be easily repositioned after events or gatherings.
In the lounge and café areas, the material palette has been refined to enhance warmth and durability. We introduced new integrated storage within fixed furniture such as banquettes, and added private call booths to give crew members a quiet space to connect with loved ones. Kitchenette areas have been included to promote independence and comfort, allowing crew to prepare simple meals and snacks. Additionally, we have designed dedicated zones for recreational activities such as board games and table tennis, encouraging social interaction and wellbeing.
The pool deck will feature a children’s playground to support families, alongside picnic tables and shaded areas to increase usability and comfort in the outdoor space.
The dining room design includes an improved buffet layout and upgraded equipment to optimise flow and efficiency. Acoustic buffers are integrated into the fixed seating to improve sound conditions during mealtimes, and the materials palette and built-in storage have been upgraded to elevate the overall experience.
The result
Although the ship is still under construction, the completed interior design sets a new benchmark in the evolution of Mercy Ships’ fleet. It retains the functional clarity and human-centred values established on Global Mercy, while introducing key improvements that make life on board more flexible, more comfortable, and more intuitive for its volunteer crew.
By anticipating the lived experience of those who will live and work aboard the vessel, we have created an interior environment that is not only efficient and durable, but also warm, personal and supportive. Once built, the ship will stand as a modern, purpose-driven space designed to deliver care - and comfort - where it is needed most.
