Maritime Medical and Public Health specialist VIKAND has announced that it is partnering with the Global Maritime Forum to work collaboratively with liked-minded shipping companies to establish robust ecosystems to help improve seafarer human sustainability.

This initiative concurs with the Global Maritime Forum’s founding principle which is to provide a platform for collaboration between international maritime businesses to increase sustainable long-term economic development and human wellbeing.

Commenting on the partnership Peter Hult, VIKAND’s CEO said: “We’re really determined to work with the shipping community to find solutions  that will  raise the standards of human sustainability within the maritime industry and by that I don’t just mean looking after seafarers’ health needs but raising their working conditions in totality; from their onboard accommodation, internet access availability, catering facilities and making sure they get paid on time, every time.”

“The Global Maritime Forum has a strong focus on human sustainability in shipping and collaborating with them will provide an excellent springboard to exchange ideas on how we, as an industry, can work together to come up with better solutions to create a ‘Culture of Care’ onboard.”

VIKAND is already working with key industry organisations to develop a Seafarer Human Sustainability Charter which it will launch at the US Ambassador’s residence in Oslo during Nor-Shipping.

The aim of the Charter is to encourage maritime businesses to work collaboratively to establish robust ecosystems providing the best in healthcare, connectivity, insurance, working environments and payment solutions for seafarers and their families.

“I am very pleased to welcome VIKAND on board in the Global Maritime Forum community, as I am sure they will add value and diversity to our collaborative platform, both at the Annual Summit and through engaging in the workstreams working to find solutions to the challenges facing the maritime industry, “said CEO at the Global Maritime Forum, Johannah Christensen.