Logos Hope
Logos Hope,OM’s newest vessel, departed this November from Shipyard Trogir, Croatia, after completing a two-year conversion project. The vessel headed to Kiel, Germany.
‘We are one major step closer to a dream that we started dreaming years ago to create more space and opportunity for our visitors to experience the love of God,’ announced Chief Executive Officer of OM Ships International (OMSI), Bernd Gülker.
The Faroe Islands-registered Logos Hope will be used to transport educational and Christian literature resources, humanitarian aid supplies and an all-volunteer crew committed to port communities around the world.
Major works completed during the time in the Croatian shipyard included enhancing the onboard accommodation and installing a new deck for hosting visitors, including for the Logos Hope book fair.
Along with other works, the vessel’s ventilation and sprinkler systems were also upgraded and the bridge rebuilt. Also an impressive amount of additional work was completed by volunteers.
Book fairs
The vessel’s final outfitting is taking place in Kiel. Work being undertaken at this time includes furnishing the Visitor Experience, onboard community facilities and other areas. The outfitting is expected to take six months and although Logos Hope will have limited scope to host visitors in this period, booked groups will be welcome.
‘The arrival of Logos Hope in Kiel is a great milestone toward the completion of the project. We look back with thankfulness to see the Lord’s mercy and faithfulness. People, finance, plans and prayers have come together to make this day a reality’ said Logos Hope Project Director Lloyd Nicholas, Australia.
The expected launch is in spring 2008. Applications to join the crew are now being accepted. Crew members are unified by their faith and goal to share God’s love. The ships remain in port for several weeks and open the gangways to thousands of visitors every day.
Over one million visitors visit OM’s several ships each year to see a large floating book fair with 6000 titles in stock, including books on history, science, economics and languages, as well as novels, children’s stories, biographies, and a wide variety of Christian books.
The ships bring aid to needy people around the world. Crew members go ashore to provide medical aid, help construct schools, orphanages and homes, and give gifts of food, clothing and books. Teams visit hospitals, orphanages and prisons to share God’s compassion and love.
Since 1970, more than 37 million people have visited all the OM ships at over 490 different ports in 155 nations.OMSI’s operational costs are met by sponsorship, gifts and waivers of fees by port authorities, as well as book sales, and corporate support in each port of call. Further information from communications@shipsoffice.org and www.omships.org
