Serving others with ocean-going ships began in 1970 with the purchase of the original Logos. Since then the ships have visited over 490 different ports in more than 150 countries and territories and welcomed over 52 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.
Millions have visited our book fairs in more than 150 countries. Books are also donated to establish or enhance local libraries.
The ships seek to provide aid and relief in situations of particular need as a practical demonstration of God's love for mankind.
The ships seek to provide aid and relief in situations of particular need as a practical demonstration of God's love for mankind.
GBA Ships have managed five ships, beginning in 1970 with the original Logos…
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).
