At last month’s Hamburg SeaTrade Europe show, maritime healthcare solutions leader VIKAND introduced new technologies targeting key health and wellbeing issues on board vessels.
Three new technologies introduced by VIKAND target key challenges for maintaining passenger and crew member health and comfort, the company said.
In the closed environment of a ship, viruses that cause foodborne illness are more easily transmitted person-to-person. By introducing PathSpot to the maritime industry, the company is working with shipowners to stop foodborne illnesses at the source – food handler’s handwashing behaviours.
PathSpot is a hands-free technology used to detect bacteria and validate hand washing to enforce the most hygienic practices and to reduce cross contamination. Having seen success in the US food-service industry, VIKAND is introducing the same technology to the maritime industry.
Another solution is Hygensea, which is an FDA-approved air purification technology designed to remove airborne pathogens and toxins, which could be harmful to guests and crew on board cruise ships. The technology also helps purify air in public spaces while eliminating unpleasant odours that could linger in the environment.
This technology is claimed to be be highly effective, improving air quality and reducing tobacco smoke in on board casinos, resulting in a significant reduction of smoke-related complaints.
Avoiding bed bugs is challenging on ships and in remote locations where there are many guests and high crew turnover. Periodic, preventative inspections using technology solutions is the best way to detect infestations in their initial stages when they are easiest to control, VIKAND said. Visual inspections can be supplemented by using various monitoring devices to capture and reveal bed bugs that may have been overlooked by occupants and staff.
VIKAND has partnered with Swedish technologies Nattaro Safe and Nattaro Scout to combat the growing issue of bed bugs around the world. Each product is designed to either prevent, eliminate or detect bed bugs. As the exclusive maritime distributor of these products, VIKAND brings this solution to assist in providing a clean environment for passengers and crew thus reducing correlating healthcare issues and consequential challenges.
“With the cruise industry gaining visibility and popularity, we have a unique opportunity to introduce new technologies that can greatly impact and enhance the guest experience,” said Peter Hult, VIKAND CEO. “Our team of specialised medical professionals know which products and services best suit cruise consumers and cruise lines – facilitating access to quality and cost-effective solutions.”
In addition, the company offers a range of healthcare service options, including proprietary healthcare solutions, a comprehensive biomedical and X-ray programme, case and claims management, medical escorting and a customised wellness programmes for crew maintenance and loss prevention.
