Cargo Day 2024 – Gala 2025
On September 25, 2025, more than 400 guests from the global shipping and trading community gathered at Geneva’s Bâtiment des Forces Motrices to celebrate the remarkable success of the 2024 Mercy Ships Cargo Day, hosted by the Geneva Cargo Day Committee.
The Cargo Day 2024 winners
The shipping community heroes
Shipping Community Unites at Cargo Day Gala Geneva
On September 25, over 420 guests from the shipping and trading community gathered at the iconic Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva for the 2025 Cargo Day Gala, hosted by the Geneva Cargo Day Committee. The evening was a celebration of unity, generosity, and the shared mission of transforming lives through Mercy Ships.
The program opened with a warm welcome from David Walker, Chairman of the Geneva Cargo Day Committee, who highlighted that the results of Cargo Day 2024 were outstanding despite a slow market, and companies have surpassed themselves by supporting Mercy Ships with different sport events.
It’s amazing to see so many of you here, over 400 people coming from all over the world to support such a great cause.David Walker Chairman Geneve Cargo Day Committee
This introduction set the tone for an evening of gratitude and inspiration.
He was followed by Charlie Grey, CEO at Tankers International and London Cargo Day Committee Chairman presented the remarkable results of Cargo Day 2024. Thanks to the participation of 83 shipping & trading companies a total of USD 2.3 Mio. Charlie also emphasized the impressive growth: 82 Mercy Cargoes quoted, a 20% increase compared to 2023; 58 pledges, up 29% in number and 41% in value; and 13 address commissions. For Dry Bulk, 23 fixtures in 2024, representing a 92% increase in number and 166% increase in value.
Tonight is a celebration of our achievements, and we are here to announce that Cargo Day 2025 will start on November 5th. It will mark 10 years of Cargo Day, and we are dreaming big — aiming to reach 2.5 million USD.Charlie Grey CEO Chairman London Cargo Day Committee
All the funds from Cargo Day 2025 will be matched again by Mercy Ships partners at the end of the year.
Gilles Rolland from the Geneva Cargo Day Committee was invited to share insights from his latest trip to Madagascar, including a short introduction to the Africa Mercy’s mission there and a reflection on how it all started in February 2016 with Tim Webb. The video highlighted the incredible work being done and the lives that continue to be changed through Mercy Ships.
The second part of the evening featured a special address from Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation, underscoring MSC’s ongoing commitment to supporting Mercy Ships’ mission. She focused on the strong bond between MSC and Mercy Ships, where vision meets action in compassion.
The Gala guests were then connected live with Captain John Borrow of the Africa Mercy, a poignant reminder of the dedication and passion of the volunteers serving onboard.
I want to thank you all for being here tonight and for the participation of the shipping community powering our hospital ships. All of the funds you raise this year will have a massive impact in the work we do here with the patients. As captain, I want to tell you how incredible it is to know that you, my peers, are backing us up! Together, we move hope across oceans.John Borrow Captain
The much-anticipated auction followed, led by Clara Kessi, Auctioneer at Sotheby’s, featuring seven exclusive lots, a spirited Paddle Auction, and even a surprise item. Thank you for the companies that donated some of the auctioned items:
- Christiano Ronaldo Jersey
- MV Global Mercy Ship Model
- Vintage Wine Bottle Marqués de Riscal 1961 - offered by Ibaizabal
- MT Cielo di Gaeta – offered by D’Amico International Shipping S.A.
- Charles Leclerc signed Cap
- MT Pathway Suezmax DF LNG – offered by Eastern Pacific Shipping
- Movistar Bicycle – offered by Eastern Pacific Shipping
Together, the auction raised over $300,000, which thanks to the Double Match will be doubled to 600,000$.
The evening reached its crescendo with the Award Ceremony, presented by Corinne Webb, and David Walker. Trophies were awarded to:
- Broker 2024: BRS - Gilbert Walter
- Charterer 2024: Clearlake - Joachim Gummerus
- Owner 2024: Evalend - Kriton Lendoudis
- Dry Bulk 2024: Arrow Shipping - Guy Wilson
- Honorary 2024: EPS - Cyril Ducau
In a symbolic and emotional finale, all winners came together on stage to the uplifting song “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay, a fitting soundtrack to a night dedicated to shining light into the lives of others.
The Geneva Cargo Day Gala 2025 once again demonstrated how the shipping industry can unite for a cause greater than itself — bringing hope and healing to those in greatest need.
