Currently docked at Durban’s Nelson Mandela MSC Cruise Terminal, the Logos Hope, operated by the humanitarian nonprofit GBA Ships based in Mosbach, Germany, offers more than just a maritime experience. This floating bookshop, the largest in the world, is on a unique mission, bringing a vast collection of over 5,000 affordable books to the shores of South Africa, catering to all age groups and covering a variety of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, cookery, arts, medicine, languages, and faith. This diversity in titles ensures that visitors of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy.
Before arriving in Durban, the ship visited Richards Bay, East London, and Gqeberha. Its next and final stop in South Africa will be at Jetty 2, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, from 8 – 23 June 2024. The last visit in 2016 attracted 59,000 visitors, underscoring the community’s enthusiasm for the vast knowledge the Logos Hope brings.
Onboard, guests can explore the Visitor Experience Deck, starting in the Welcome Area with a short film about the ship’s mission and layout, followed by interactive displays. The International Café offers a chance to relax and enjoy treats from around the globe.
The ship hosts 350 volunteers from 65 different nationalities, exemplifying a vibrant hub of global cultures united by a common purpose of sharing knowledge, help, and hope. The crew, consisting of volunteers from various professional backgrounds, dedicate their time to this floating haven of knowledge without salary, supported by sponsorships.
Annually, the Logos Hope welcomes an average of one million visitors across its stops worldwide. Beyond selling books, the crew engages in local outreach, visiting hospitals, schools, and other institutions to deliver aid and foster international goodwill.
Life aboard the Logos Hope is not without its challenges. The crewmembers live in a compact, communal setting that requires constant adjustment and adaptation. It is a testament to their dedication and shared vision that such a diverse group can coexist and collaborate so effectively.
The journey of the Logos Hope is more than a travelling book fair; it is a dynamic, floating community that brings knowledge, help, and hope to each port it visits. For those in South Africa, this is a unique opportunity to connect with a world of books and cultures, all from the deck of a ship.
