VIKAND’s presence at this year’s Nor-Shipping confirmed that crew sustainability is no longer a side topic, but central to the maritime conversation. Across panels, booths and receptions, it was clear: the industry is shifting, and the wellbeing of seafarers is finally being treated as a strategic priority.

Collaboration & Innovation

A key takeaway from our time in Oslo was the importance of international collaboration, especially as shipping connects economies and regions in increasingly complex ways in a world dominated by uncertainties.  Artificial intelligence was also a prominent theme, as new technologies are rapidly being adopted by maritime operators. However, the message here was clear: tech must be practical, user-friendly and integrate seamlessly with onboard operations. “Nice to have” solutions are being replaced by those that add real, measurable value.

Crew Members at the Core

The conference began at the Wilhelmsen tent, where a conversation on Seafarers’ Rights and Crew Sustainability set the tone for what became a consistent theme throughout the week: crew are long-term assets that need support—not just in emergencies, but every day.

VIKAND’s sponsorship of the AMVER Awards at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence underscored that commitment. In Ronald’s remarks, he shared why this program aligns with our mission. The sea remains a demanding and often hostile environment, and with growing regulatory pressure and ever more complex technology, the burden on crew is only increasing. Preventive health care - physical, mental and social - is essential.

Our global team of maritime medical professionals, all of whom have real experience at sea, is dedicated to helping crews thrive. That’s why we proudly support AMVER and its recognition of those who go above and beyond to save lives at sea.

Proactive Wellness, Not Just Crisis Care

At the Castor/Navarino booth, we saw strong interest in our AI-powered Wellness Pulse Check. This simple, anonymous tool allows ship operators to monitor crew wellbeing in real time, making it easier to take action before issues escalate. In contrast to reactive hotlines or post-crisis support, tools like the Pulse Check enable a preventive, data-driven approach to crew care.

As We Look Ahead

One promising development came from a conversation about Sustainable Maritime Loans. While these loans have traditionally focused on environmental KPIs, there’s growing momentum to incorporate social indicators, such as mental health, safety and crew wellness, into a broader sustainability framework.

Nor-Shipping once again highlighted a resilient industry actively adapting to new demands. Today’s challenges—economic uncertainty, regulatory shifts and rapid technological change - are significant, but so is our mandate for the future: a safer, smarter, more human-centered maritime sector. Encouragingly, many in the industry are already moving in that direction.

In this edition of Pulse, delve deep into the IMO’s efforts to end bullying and harassment at sea, explore the complex logistics of getting high-value medicines to a cruise ship, meet Dr. Roxanne Garcia, Lead Physician at OneHealth, read about the quiet revolution that has reshaped maritime healthcare, and more.