Marine Reach Asia Pacific chief executive Captain Jesse Misa told The Bay of Plenty Times Weekend the Pacific Hope could become Tauranga's "expression of love, generosity and hope to the Pacific''.
In 2006, Marine Reach gifted its ship, Pacific Link, to the Australian city of Townsville.
"The people of Townsville and Papua New Guinea have embraced this partnership and we would like to see something similar in Tauranga.''
Mr Misa said work had started to turn Pacific Hope into a floating medical and disaster relief response vessel with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Once the $1.2 million project was complete, the ship would be used in the Pacific and New Zealand if there was a natural disaster.
"We could put cargo onto the ship and take it to any port in New Zealand or the Pacific where there is need. Look at Christchurch and the change a naval ship made after the earthquake. Everyone would know we are from Tauranga, the ship would speak volumes of this city's generosity.''
Mr Misa said while the ship was moored in Tauranga it could also be used as a tool to reach out to the city's troubled youth and to encourage a culture of volunteerism.
The organisation was also in discussions with the Bay of Plenty District Health Board about the possibility of offering subsidised or free medical care to people on low incomes in the Bay.
"We are not asking for a handout we are asking for a leg up.
"We are all volunteers, we pay our own way. Any money we saved would be spent giving people back their eyesight, helping people who have not seen a dentist for more than 20 years,'' he said.
Mayor Stuart Crosby said the partnership made sense as the organisation was already close to the hearts of many locals.
"Tauranga people have volunteered with Marine Reach for many years. This organisation is well known and much loved.'' He said Marine Reach contributed financially to the city, which made up for any loss of revenue from subsidising its mooring.
He said many charity and community organisations received subsidised rent in Tauranga.
"There are community centres that pay a peppercorn rent of just $1 a year,'' he said.
"Council already heavily subsidises accommodation for these groups around the city and the only difference here is Marine Reach are sitting on the water on a berth.''
Council staff would look at the proposal after all elected members, except Gail McIntosh, voted in favour at a recent Community Development Committee meeting.