29 Sep 2023

Babcock converts fast patrol boat into medical clinic for Vine Trust

Babcock is delighted to have converted a former UK Royal Navy patrol ship into a medical vessel for Vine Trust, an international volunteering charity supporting some of the poorest and most isolated communities in Tanzania and Peru.

A dedicated team of volunteers transformed former HMS Scimitar into the recently named MV Lady Jean. The ship has undergone a complete overhaul, including a new generator, rewiring of electrics, servicing of the engines, installation of new seats and air-conditioning and full painting.

A handover of the ship took place at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire, where Mrs Sarah Lockwood was invited to name the newest addition to Vine Trust’s fleet of medical vessels.

The vessel will head to Lake Victoria, Africa, where it is destined to provide one million medical consultations over the next 20 years.

David Lockwood, CEO, Babcock, said: “The work Vine Trust delivers to some of the most impoverished communities in Africa and South America is truly helping to keep people safe and look after themselves in better ways.

“It is a privilege for our teams to come together and convert the now MV Lady Jean, I know how much time and effort has gone into this programme, for that I would like to thank everyone who has been involved.

“I think I speak on behalf of the entire team when I wish all the crew, volunteers, doctors and nurses the very best on their future mission aboard this wonderful ship.”

Vine Trust has an exceptional track record of helping people who need it the most in the heart of communities in Africa and South America – driven by its mission of Connecting People and Changing Lives.

Rev. Willie McPherson, CEO Vine Trust, added: “Today is about a dream becoming reality for our partners in Tanzania and their ambition to expand the medical services they deliver to some of the most underserved communities in East Africa.

“This new ship will complement the work of MV Jubilee Hope, the first ever dedicated primary health care ship serving Lake Victoria Tanzania and begin the roll out of anti-retroviral HIV medications to isolated island communities in great need of this new service.

“As a Trust we are indebted to Babcock International and the wider UK Marine community for once again supporting our medical programmes and making this exciting new vessel a reality for our partners in Tanzania.

“For the last eight years, Babcock have partnered with us in delivering over 500,000 medical consultations on the Peruvian Amazon and supporting the construction of a new “Village of Hope” on the shores of Lake Victoria for orphaned children.

“This vessel is a wonderful addition to our programme. For which we are immensely grateful.”

Other companies which supported the overhaul included Victoria Quay, UK Docks, SES, International Paints, Caterform, SWJ Maintenance, Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust and Sevenstar Yacht Transport.

It is the second ship Babcock has converted for the Vine Trust, following the MV Forth Hope, which was handed over in 2017.

Volunteers from Babcock have also travelled to Tanzania to support the Vine Trust with its community programmes.