VIKAND : Digitalisation presents emerging psychological pressures for seafarers

(Posted on 01/09/25)

As the digital transformation accelerates across the maritime industry, global maritime healthcare leader VIKAND warns there is a growing need to recognise and address the psychological toll of new technologies on seafarers’ mental health.

While digitalisation has enabled earlier intervention and expanded access to mental health services onboard, such as remote counselling and telehealth, VIKAND notes that the long-term impact on seafarers' well-being is still unfolding.

“Early access to care is undoubtedly promising, but we're only beginning to understand the psychological cost of this digital shift,” says Martin Hedman, VIKAND's Director of Mental Wellness Practices. “Technology is a double-edged sword - it streamlines support, yet introduces stressors that we haven’t fully accounted for.

“Over the past 20 years, new psychological stressors have emerged from digital life including doomscrolling fatigue, loneliness from social isolation through phone use, and anxiety from navigating the increasingly complex digital processes.”

One of the most pressing concerns is the persistent stigma and privacy issues surrounding digital mental health services. Many crew members, particularly senior staff, remain cautious about engaging with these services due to concerns that their data could be misused or held against them, such as losing their jobs. These anxieties, while rarely spoken outright, are frequently raised in informal conversations.

Generational differences also play a role. “Older crew members often struggle more with digital interfaces, such as using smartphones for training or health access,” says Martin. “What is intuitive to a younger seafarer may be a barrier to another, amplifying stress and isolation.”

Though no direct increase in mental health cases explicitly citing “technology” or “automation” has been recorded, VIKAND observes that digitalisation subtly contributes to workload pressures and fatigue, particularly in non-marine departments tasked with managing complex digital systems. Mental health professionals are integrating tech-related stress and digital fatigue into broader wellness discussions, though VIKAND says formal protocols are still emerging.

Looking ahead, Martin notes that "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO) could become a growing theme. With constant connectivity, seafarers are increasingly exposed to life onshore potentially heightening feelings of separation from family or online social engagement.

“FOMO will be a big part of the ever so connected seafarers’ stress in the future. That is not just stress about always checking your email or social media account, but also to become even more aware of what you are missing out when you are away such as being reminded of family,” explains Martin.

Latest News

Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges

From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more

First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE

Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more

NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum

NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more

Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz

Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more

The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility

The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more

First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO

Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more

Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent

Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more

Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more

Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading

Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more

NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels

NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more