The MV Amalthea, constructed in 1985, is a cargo vessel flagged under Moldova and owned by A.C.A. Shipping, a Greek-based company. The ship's specifications, such as tonnage, dimensions, or engine details, are not provided in the available source. As a cargo vessel, Amalthea's design would typically include a large cargo hold suitable for transporting various goods, which aligns with its utilization for humanitarian aid shipments. In its service history, the vessel is notably recognized for its involvement in a 2010 humanitarian mission. The ship was chartered by the Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation (GICDF), a Libyan charity organization led by Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. During this mission, the Amalthea was renamed Hope for the voyage and departed from Lavrio, Greece, around 8 pm on July 10, 2010. It carried approximately 2,000 tons of food, medical supplies, and pre-fabricated houses intended for the Gaza Strip. This aid was donated by Greek companies and charities, emphasizing the vessel’s role in international humanitarian efforts. The voyage attracted political attention, as Israel requested the United Nations to prevent the Libyan-sponsored vessel from violating the naval blockade on Gaza. The Amalthea docked at El Arish, Egypt, on July 14, 2010, where the supplies were reportedly transferred to land-based transport for distribution into Gaza. The mission was also linked to broader diplomatic negotiations, with reports indicating Libya's commitment to transfer funds for Gaza’s reconstruction, brokered by intermediaries with ties to both Israel and Libya. Overall, the MV Amalthea’s significance lies in its role as a cargo ship involved in humanitarian aid delivery amidst complex geopolitical tensions, illustrating its multifaceted service beyond standard commercial operations.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.