17 Jul 2024

Babcock says farewell to MV Lady Jean as she leaves to deliver critical medical aid in Tanzania

Babcock has said goodbye to the Vine Trust charity’s latest medical vessel, MV Lady Jean, which is now being transported to Tanzania following her successful sea trials.

Last year Babcock supported the conversion of the former UK Royal Navy patrol ship, HMS Scimitar into a medical vessel for Vine Trust. With help from a team of dedicated volunteers from Babcock, the vessel underwent a complete overhaul, including a new generator, rewiring of electrics, servicing of the engines, installation of new seats and air-conditioning and full painting.

Last September, as part of its university engagement initiative, Babcock we were joined by students from Southampton University to conduct the vessels heel test, helping to ensure her stability remained unaffected following her refit.

MV Lady Jean, named by Mrs Sarah Lockwood during the handover ceremony at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, joined the Jubilee Hope Medical Programme last year to expand the reach of services to remote island communities on Lake Victoria, Tanzania. The vessel is expected to provide one million medical consultations over the next 20 years.

Alun from Babcock’s Support Services business who project managed the conversion activity, said: “After all the combined effort to overhaul the vessel, it is fantastic to see her finally on her way to Tanzania where she will be purposefully employed in a wonderful cause, delivering medical aid to remote communities and improving the lives of those she serves.”

Babcock works closely with the Vine Trust, which provides life‑changing medical, home‑building and care support to vulnerable families and children in severe poverty in Tanzania and Peru. MV Lady Jean is the second ship Babcock has converted for the Vine Trust, following the MV Forth Hope, which was handed over in 2017.