About GBA Ships

GBA Ships operates Doulos Hope and Logos Hope

 

Serving others with ocean-going ships began in 1970 with the purchase of the original Logos. Since then the ships have visited over 480 different ports in more than 150 countries and territories and welcomed over 50 million visitors on board. Our goal is to share knowledge, help and hope in every port we visit.

Our ships visit each port of call for several weeks at a time and open the gangways to hundreds and often thousands of visitors every day. The floating book fairs offer many diverse titles, providing many visitors their first-ever opportunity to choose from the wide range of quality literature.

An international crew and staff of volunteers from around 60 different countries live and work on the ships, devoting one or more years of their lives to serving on board. The ship people promote literacy and education, cross-cultural co-operation, and social awareness, and reflect God’s compassion for the world in the ports and countries they visit. Ship teams go into surrounding areas to provide aid and community care, partnering with local community groups to bring hope to people, whatever their circumstance, culture or background.

Sharing knowledge, help and hope

Our impact

 

  • We have welcomed over 50 million people on board since 1970.
  • We have visited over 150 countries and territories.
  • In total, the ships have made 1,600 ports of call.
  • Over six million people have attended conferences and other events on board.
  • More than 11 million children have visited the ships and experienced the unique environment on board for themselves.
  • Around 10,000 young people have been trained on board for future life and service.
  • Hundreds of tonnes of books have been donated.
Logos tied up alongside Doulos

Vessel history

 

 

GBA Ships have managed five ships, beginning in 1970 with the original Logos...

 

Learn More

Management

 

GBA Ships is managed by a leadership team chaired by CEO Seelan Govender. The team is made up of leaders with responsibility for different aspects of the organisation.

All activities of GBA Ships are overseen by an external governing board. Meeting regularly, this group holds the leadership of GBA Ships accountable for fulfilling the agreed aim of "sharing knowledge, help and hope".

GBA Ships e.V. is a registered company with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). GBA Ships complies with the provisions of all relevant maritime rules and conventions including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974, as amended, as well as the International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS).

What others say

Some of our sponsors

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alfalaval
castrol
duerrdental
Göpfert AG
hailo
international
meta
msg
rittal
rjh
safebridge
sirona
tpxtech
transas

The work of GBA Ships is made possible by the financial support of individuals and community groups all over the world. Corporate support is welcomed and we invite you to consider how you could contribute to the work of GBA Ships.

Sponsorship Opportunities