Thermoplastic components by GF Piping Systems ensure a hygienic water supply on board a hospital ship

Mercy Ships has been providing high-quality and professional healthcare to developing countries for over 45 years. The Global Mercy, the charity’s latest ship, is 174 meters long and provides space for 600 volunteers, 199 beds for patients, as well as extensive facilities for medical training. As a result, the ship requires large amounts of water with daily usage averaging 60,000 liters. During construction of the vessel’s water installation, Mercy Ships decided to forego the frequently used copper pipes in favor of two thermoplastic solutions by Swiss flow solutions provider GF Piping Systems.

In total, GF Piping Systems provided around 13.000 piping components, including ball valves, butterfly valves, and actuators. INSTAFLEX, a polybutene system designed for building technology applications, was selected for the hot and cold water installation as well as for the onboard water treatment system. At the same time, ecoFIT, a polyethylene system for use in a wide range of industrial applications, was installed for wastewater transportation.

The thermoplastic piping systems are corrosion-free and do not release any taste or pollutants, while smooth inner surfaces prevent issues such as limescale deposits. In addition, the lower weight of plastic has reduced the fuel consumption of the Global Mercy. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic during which the ship was constructed, GF Piping Systems was able to offer technical support as well as on-site installation training.

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