11 February 2021, Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA: VIKAND Solutions, LLC—a global maritime medical operations and public health provider— announces the appointment of Damien O’Connor as Executive Vice President and General Manager for VIKAND Testing Solutions, Inc., a Cruise Terminal Testing Solution initiative, effective March 1^st, 2021.

“Damien will be leading our team and our work with partners to deliver VIKAND’s testing solution: a critical requirement in the resumption of global cruising,” says Peter Hult, VIKAND CEO.

“VIKAND answers the need for innovation with expediency. We understand the urgency of the cruise industry to have safe, accurate, non-invasive, easy-to-operate high throughput technology to help return to sailing. In response, VIKAND brings a complete testing solution that cruise, ports and terminal operators can easily deploy with minimal investment,” says O’Conner.

“Damien brings to VIKAND a deep understanding of the cruise industry, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resumption of cruising requirements, and experience with project management and general management. His direct involvement—spanning some 30 years with leading global cruise lines— benefits the cruise and maritime industries as well as the VIKAND team,” comments Hult.

Most recently, Damien O’Connor was the Senior Vice President of hotel operations, on board revenue, new build, and fleet modernization for Royal Caribbean/Silverseas Cruises and was based out of Monaco. Prior to Silverseas, Damien held various management positions with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise and Carnival Cruise lines.

Damien joined VIKAND as a Senior Advisor on 8 February 2021 and will transition to Executive Vice President and General Manager for VIKAND Testing Solutions on March 1^st. Damien will head VIKAND’s End-to-End Cruise Terminal COVID-19 Testing initiative, ensuring a safe, accurate and efficient process, helping the cruise industry in resuming cruise operations.

Damien comments, “I’m excited to join VIKAND and to be part of this important initiative. I have had the pleasure of working with the VIKAND team as part of the Silversea integration during the early stages of the incredibly challenging COVID-19 outbreak in March and April 2020. I believe VIKAND offers tremendous value to the industry. To be instrumental in this crucial, emerging healthcare solution is a natural progression of my work in the cruise line industry.”

“My motivation to join this winning team is fueled by the strongest personal desire to see the many, many people affected by this pandemic get back to work be it shipboard or shore side while the travel community works with governments, local authorities and experts in the healthcare field to ensure the most relevant and available solutions are utilized. Together, we all ensure a safe and healthy experience for our returning and prospective guests,” he concludes.

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ABOUT VIKAND

VIKAND provides global medical and public health service solutions to the entire maritime industry, including cruise, yacht, superyacht, commercial shipping, fishing, and energy sectors. VIKAND works with more than 200 cruise ship clients—spread over 23 cruise lines—supporting 120,000 crew with medical and mental wellness needs supported by experienced onboard and onshore medical staffs. VIKAND’s proven medical and public health expertise and experience is demonstrated through a proactive and evidence-based healthcare approach, the VIKAND Total Healthcare Solution and is coordinated with global regulatory agencies and industry associations. Solutions encompass 24/7 medical management, public health, and COVID-19 consulting, biomedical equipment maintenance and products, and leading air and surface decontamination solutions. VIKAND recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and was awarded the Seatrade Cruise Awards Supplier of the Year 2020 in October. VIKAND has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Hamburg and soon Monaco in addition to having staff located throughout the world.