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World's 'largest floating book fair' docks in Belfast

Angus HarronBBC News NI
News imageBBC A large ship with a white and blue exterior and the words 'LOGOS HOPE' painted on the sideBBC
The Logos Hope, which has a Christian ethos, last spent time in Belfast in 2009

An internationally-crewed ship described as the world's "largest floating book fair" has berthed in Belfast.

The Logos Hope is a volunteer-run vessel with a Christian ethos and a bookshop of more than 5,000 titles.

It was officially opened to people in Northern Ireland on Friday by Belfast Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donelly and will remain open to the public at Albert Quay until 20 October.

Doron Lukat, the managing director of the ship, said Belfast was "one of the first" places the crew aim to visit when travelling to the UK and Europe.

News imageA woman in a blue and pink hoodie with long brown hair, smiling at the camera. She is wearing glasses. Behind her, the Logos Hope is visible in the background.
Hannah Gowdy visited the Logos Hope's sister vessel, the Doulos Hope, in 2004 and now works for the organisation behind both boats

Hannah Gowdy is from Castlederg in County Tyrone and works for the Christian organisation behind the vessel, GBA Ships.

She said she first visited one of the ships in Londonderry in 2004, and described helping bring the Logos Hope back to Northern Ireland as "incredible".

"When I first came to one of the ships, I never imagined being on board and serving as a crew member and then a staff member," she said.

"I think it is an opportunity to help unite Northern Ireland, as well as being able to reconnect with people from here who've served on board."

It is a sentiment that Lukat agrees with.

"We have long-lasting friendships with individuals, institutions and local authorities" in Northern Ireland, he said.

"Over the years, many people from Northern Ireland have volunteered on the ships themselves too.

"So a community has been built up over time of people who support this ministry."

News imageA man with brown hair and brown rimmed glasses
Doron Lukat says this is the eighth time the ship has come to Belfast

Lukat said he exptected the Logos Hope to have a positive effect locally too.

"Our tagline is sharing knowledge, help and hope," he said.

"I want people to come on board, browse the books, engage with our crew and events, and go back to their communities choosing to be people of hope, coming together rather than dividing."

News imageHandout A room full of books of varying coloursHandout
There are over 5,000 books in the collection, including faith-based books and children's literature

Education Minister Paul Givan said he was "delighted" to have the boat back in Belfast.

"It is something that I think will bring real excitement," said Givan.

"I hope many people will visit and experience one of the biggest bookstores that you would be able to find, which is important for me as education minister when it comes to literacy.

"The boat is also about bringing a message of hope not just to Belfast but right across the world."