VIKAND Partners with TUI Cruises to Provide Biomedical Calibration and Certification Services Tailored for the Unique Needs of the Cruise Industry
Date: 30 August 2023
VIKAND, the global leader in maritime healthcare, recently partnered with TUI Cruises to provide specialist biomedical services for 11 of the company’s cruise ships. VIKAND’s role will be to source and maintain the fleet’s biomedical equipment, as well as provide capex forecasts and lifecycle management.
“I am delighted to welcome TUI Cruises as a partner, said Peter Hult, CEO of VIKAND. “Our worldwide biomedical technicians take a hands-on approach, which allows for a global rapid response 24/7. Our experienced team ensures down time for vital lifesaving equipment is reduced while improving the asset management lifecycle by preventive maintenance, resulting in reduced healthcare risk.”
TUI Cruises decision to contract with VIKAND was based on the company’s ability to provide global support with a team of industry experienced biomedical technicians who truly understand the importance and value of functioning biomedical equipment in a remote environment, far from shoreside support. This gives onboard medical teams comfort that they can rely on a team to help them when a vital piece of equipment breaks.
Christian Lerche, Corporate Captain Fleet Operation and Health at TUI Cruises, said, “We are very excited to initiate the cooperation with VIKAND and bring the maintenance of our biomedical equipment to an elevated level.”
VIKAND’s biomedical services include device installation, monitoring, repairs, recall monitoring, comprehensive maintenance, sourcing OEM parts and more. For TUI Cruises, there are many benefits to having critical medical equipment managed by VIKAND’s experts.
First, it empowers onboard healthcare providers to focus on patients, safe in the knowledge that their medical equipment is properly calibrated and maintained. It also provides management with peace of mind to know that onboard health risks are reduced, compliance requirements are met, and capex needs are monitored by biomedical equipment experts. Together, this partnership supports a safer, more cost-effective fleet.
VIKAND provides global biomedical services to more than 220 vessels worldwide and manages more than 9,500 medical devices, with diverse services that include asset management, preventive maintenance, repairs and more.
ABOUT VIKAND
VIKAND is a leading expert in global medical services and risk mitigation solutions for the maritime industry, operating a global network of 1,500 maritime medical professionals, established across 44 countries, supported by 4 main locations. VIKAND’s caring and committed teams manage more than 4,100 daily maritime medical encounters.
With OneHealth, VIKAND offers a preventive maintenance approach to optimizing the physical and mental health of seafarers. A ship at sea is a standalone ecosystem where people live and work interdependently. OneHealth takes a diversified and inclusive approach to protecting the health and wellness of all onboard.
VIKAND all-inclusive approach unifies preparedness, prevention, detection, response, and management across a range of healthcare concerns, from communicable diseases to chronic illnesses, mental health concerns and more.
ABOUT TUI CRUISES
TUI Cruises GmbH is one of the leading cruise operators in the German-speaking countries. The joint venture between TUI AG and the US cruise group Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. employs around 750 people in Hamburg and Berlin. A fleet of six ships sails for the Mein Schiff brand. Since the end of 2020, the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brand, with a fleet of five ships, has also been part of TUI Cruises GmbH.
The Mein Schiff fleet offers state-of-the-art holidays at sea in the premium segment (Mein Schiff 1-6 / bed capacity: 15,900). Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is the leading cruise brand in the German-speaking countries in the luxury and expedition segment. (MS EUROPA, MS EUROPA 2 & HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit). Already today, the fleets of Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are among the most modern and eco-friendly in the world. In the course of sustainable growth, three more newbuilds are planned up until 2026.