VIKAND's latest clinical data for commercial shipping reinforces the conclusions of Gard's 2026 Crew Claims Report, identifying cardiovascular disease as the most expensive health risk for seafarers. Despite accounting for a relatively small percentage of medical consultations on board vessels, serious cardiovascular events can have a disproportionately high clinical and operational impact.
Gard's report, which analyzed approximately 3,000 P&I crew claims, previously highlighted that illness is a major cause of claims, with cardiovascular conditions leading to substantial costs. VIKAND's data now provides further evidence, confirming this trend from a clinical perspective.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this information underscores the importance of robust crew health protocols and emergency response planning. While not directly impacting cargo movement or rates, crew health incidents can cause significant delays, diversions, and unexpected costs for vessel operators, which can indirectly affect schedule reliability and transit times. Understanding these underlying risks can help forwarders manage client expectations regarding potential disruptions.
The findings suggest a continued focus on preventative health measures and rapid medical intervention for seafarers to mitigate these high-cost incidents.