Transforming maritime hygiene. The VIKAND-Pyure innovative air and surface purification system

by Fitzwilliam Scott

Ensuring high standards of hygiene aboard is critical to protect the health of crew members and passengers on commercial and cruise & ferry ships while maintaining smooth operations. With confined living and working conditions, the risk of infectious disease outbreaks and mold infestations is ever-present. These threats can lead to serious health complications, disrupt operations, and increase medical costs. Advanced technologies are becoming essential tools in reducing these risks, safeguarding crew and passenger well-being, and ensuring compliance with stringent maritime health regulations.

Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses and airborne pathogens can severely impact operations - be they offshore, commercial shipping, or passenger. With high-density living and working environments, the maritime industry requires robust, science-backed hygiene solutions that minimise risk and ensure compliance with stringent health regulations.

VIKAND, a global leader in maritime healthcare and sanitation, is offering one such solution in collaboration with Pyure Dynamic Protection® - an innovative air and surface purification system that proactively combats both norovirus and black mold, safeguarding on-board environments and improving overall vessel hygiene.

The diagnosis

"The Pyure system is an intelligent, proactive solution designed to mitigate the financial and operational risks associated with norovirus outbreaks," explains Mattias Hallberg, Director, Technical Solutions, VIKAND. "By implementing continuous air and surface sanitation, commercial and offshore operators can significantly reduce the likelihood of illness, protect their crews, and safeguard business continuity.

What differentiates Pyure is the evidence behind its effectiveness - our international certifications, research studies, and real-world applications prove this technology works."

Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold, presents another significant challenge for the maritime industry. It thrives in the damp, humid environments found on ships, causing respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and long-term health complications. Left unchecked, mold infestations can compromise not only crew health but also vessel safety. Dr John Howe, Medical Director, OneHealth by VIKAND, emphasises the health risks associated with mold exposure, "Mold produces allergens, irritants, and toxic substances known as mycotoxins, which can trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate respiratory issues. People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing infections from mold exposure. Additionally, some studies suggest that early exposure to mold may increase the risk of developing asthma in children, particularly those with a genetic predisposition."

The treatment

Pyure's hydroxyl-generating technology provides an active and continuous approach to sanitation by replicating nature's air-cleaning process. Hydroxyls are highly reactive molecules naturally present in Earth's atmosphere that neutralise viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and odours. Unlike conventional air purifiers that merely trap airborne contaminants, Pyure's system actively destroys pathogens, making it a superior solution for maintaining clean and healthy environments on board vessels.

Scientific testing has demonstrated the effectiveness of Pyure's technology: it achieves a 4-log (99.99%) reduction in murine norovirus on surfaces within 360 minutes and a 5-log (99.999%) reduction of airborne RNA viruses within 90 minutes. The system also significantly reduces airborne mold spores, with 99.9% elimination within 30 minutes and undetectable levels within an hour and a half. On surfaces, mold contamination is 99.9% eliminated within 48 hours. Recognised for its efficacy, Pyure is an FDA-registered Class II medical device and has also received the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Class I medical device certification.

"Independent laboratory studies confirm that Pyure's air and surface purification technology significantly reduces norovirus and other pathogens in the air and on surfaces," says Dr Connie Araps, Scientific Officer at Pyure. "It reacts so quickly with airborne pathogens that transmission from person to person is minimised, as reported by Pyure in the ASHRAE Journal (March 2024). By continuously improving air quality, Pyure supports a proactive approach to hygiene management, reducing the risks associated with viral outbreaks in high-traffic environments like ships."

The purification system has already demonstrated great success in real-world applications and is currently installed aboard over 100 vessels in the cruise, yacht, and offshore sectors. One notable case involved a 140+ metre-long yacht struggling with severe mold infestations. After installing Pyure devices directly into the vessel's air handlers, airborne mold spores were eradicated within weeks, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for crew and passengers.

"By proactively addressing mold with our Pyure Dynamic Protection® system, VIKAND is setting a new standard in maritime health and safety," states Hallberg. "This technology not only removes existing mold but prevents future growth, offering peace of mind to vessel operators and healthier environments for those on board."

Side effects (positive only!)

Pyure's air purification solution also offers significant operational advantages. It minimises the risk of disease outbreaks, ensuring business continuity, and reduces crew sick days, thus improving workforce efficiency. The system supports compliance with health and safety regulations while lowering operational costs by enhancing air recirculation and reducing resistance. Additionally, it decreases carbon emissions through improved air quality management and requires minimal upkeep, with quarterly cleanings and annual optic replacements.

"As norovirus and other infectious threats remain a challenge for the maritime industry, investing in proactive solutions such as Pyure Dynamic Protection® is not just a health measure - it’s a strategic decision that safeguards operational integrity and financial stability," underscores Ronald Spithout, Managing Director, OneHealth by VIKAND. He furthers, "By prioritising advanced air and surface purification, ship operators can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks, ensuring that crews remain healthy and operations continue uninterrupted. The financial impact of disease outbreaks and mold-related maintenance can be substantial, so having a proven, sciencebacked solution such as Pyure in place is an investment that pays off in both safety and efficiency." Spithout sums up, "This technology represents a fundamental shift in how the maritime industry approaches hygiene, moving from reactive containment to proactive prevention."‚

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VIKAND provides proactive total healthcare solutions for the shipping, cruise, yachting, and offshore industries. Crew members and guests alike trust VIKAND to provide expert medical care, telemedicine, risk mitigation, and other valuable health services, and the world's leading maritime companies rely on us to protect their most important asset at sea - people. Visit  vikand.com for more information about VIKAND’s Pyure Dynamic Protection® system.

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Inspired by nature and trusted to clean, The Pyure Company are worldleading air purifying technology innovators. Pyure's commercial air purifiers are trusted worldwide to safely purify indoor air and surfaces, creating healthier environments for everyone while saving energy by bringing the power of the sun indoors. Check pyure.com to learn more (incl. the science behind Pyure Dynamic Protection®).