Stena Line’s First Volunteer Onboard 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. The 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 onboard, 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; economic, 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 with Mercy Ships’ values, all volunteers work for free. Stena Line, however, guarantees leave of absence and provides for the journey and all required vaccinations.

Press Release: news.cision.com