Shipbrokers, charterers and shipowners in Singapore are backing Mercy Ships, as the charity hospital ship operator steps up its activities ahead of its annual cargo day fundraiser.

Senior figures from Clarksons, BRS, Affinity,

Clearlake, Eastern Pacific, ST Shipping, Thenamaris, Trafigura, Total, Vitol and others have formed a Singapore regional committee to encourage donations.

They join colleagues in the Geneva and Houston tanker and trading communities planning to raise money on 6 November, when players can pledge to give the charity a percentage of their commission on cargoes they fix.