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Category: <span>Commercial</span>

VIKAND launches VIPHARMA to strengthen global maritime medical supply chain

September 14, 2026, Fort Lauderdale, FL – VIKAND, a global leader in maritime healthcare, today announces the launch of VIPHARMA, a new subsidiary providing global medical and pharmaceutical supply chain solutions for the maritime industry. The new subsidiary helps maritime operators navigate the complex process of sourcing, managing and delivering the pharmaceuticals, medical devices, equipment…

VIKANDER Profile: Louis Conradie

This month, we spoke with Louis Conradie, an experienced physician with a diverse and global medical career. After first working with VIKAND during the pandemic, he rejoined in 2026 and now supports shipboard case management and clinical governance. Please describe your position and role at VIKAND? As Medical Director, I support shipboard medical operations by…

The Realities of Working as an Expedition Nurse

When people hear that I work as an expedition nurse, they often imagine breathtaking glaciers, penguins, polar bears and endless adventures in some of the most remote places on Earth. These experiences are certainly part of the job, but they represent only a small part of what life is really like. Being an expedition nurse…

The Pain Crew Members Can’t Afford to Ignore

Musculoskeletal conditions are a leading cause of crew repatriation, but earlier reporting and clinical support can change outcomes It usually begins with something that feels manageable: a stiff back when lifting, knee pain on the stairs or a shoulder strain that’s more noticeable at the end of a shift. At sea, crew members often continue…

VIKAND Clinical Data Reinforces Gard Findings on Maritime’s Highest-Cost Crew Health Risk

August 18, 2026, Fort Lauderdale, FL – Cardiovascular disease may account for a relatively small proportion of onboard medical consultations, but serious cases can have a disproportionate clinical and operational impact, according to VIKAND, whose commercial shipping data reinforces findings from the recently published 2026 Gard Crew Claims Report. Gard’s report, based on around 3,000…

Strengthening Clinical Governance and Operational Excellence in Maritime Healthcare, by Dr. Shanavas Puzhangattil

For premium and luxury operators, the impact extends well beyond patient outcomes. The quality of onboard medical services also influences crew wellbeing, operational continuity and the overall guest experience. Building a more resilient medical service requires strong clinical governance, standardised processes, digital tools and effective inventory management that support safe, consistent care across the fleet.…

8 Ways to Strengthen Cardiovascular Health at Sea

Cardiovascular disease is one of the most significant health risks facing the global maritime workforce, but the groundwork for a heart attack is usually laid over many years. This presents a critical opportunity for prevention. Clinical data from VIKAND shows that hypertension accounted for the majority of cardiovascular consultations. Rather than focusing solely on emergency…

For Heart Emergencies at Sea, Every Minute Counts

A crew member develops chest pain on a vessel hundreds of nautical miles from the nearest hospital. As captain, you have one question: Is this a heart attack, or can we safely continue our voyage? Few onboard situations are more stressful, as every decision has consequences. Evacuate too quickly and you may create a costly…

Mental Health at Sea Requires Cultural Understanding

Mental health awareness in the maritime industry has grown significantly in recent years, but one complex challenge remains: people from different cultures have equally diverse views on mental health issues and how to handle them. What one crew member considers stress, burnout or emotional distress could be interpreted very differently by a colleague from another…