Interview: Yuki Yu, Regional Business Development Manager for the USA at AP Companies

How do shipping companies choose their medical assistance providers, and what do you think AP Companies provides that others do not?

Shipping companies frequently engage local port agents for medical support, which is typically one service among many non-medical responsibilities. This can compromise care quality and cost efficiency, as medical expertise isn't specialised and costs also become hard to track because medical bills come from different ports. At AP Companies, we stand out by offering end-to-end medical solutions tailored specifically for the maritime industry, backed by over 25 years of experience and a 24/7 multilingual operations centre. We provide a truly global coverage that allows shipping companies project their medical costs and identify the trends in order to improve the health and wellbeing of their crew.

What truly differentiates us is our proactive approach to crew welfare. While many providers focus solely on emergency response, we emphasise PEME Services, case management at ports and home country, telemedicine, and mental health support – because crew members are a shipowner’s most valuable asset. Industry reports, including North P&I Club, indicate that medical incidents cause 10–15% of ship diversions, with costs ranging from US$100,000 to $300,000 per incident – underscoring why preventive care is critical. Our solutions reduce these risks through prescreening, close case monitoring by medical teams, key officer mental-health training, and real-time teleconsultations, ensuring both cost efficiency and crew wellbeing. 

How important is telemedicine when it comes to helping patients at sea, and what does AP Companies offer?

Telemedicine is revolutionising maritime healthcare. Current industry data indicates that approximately 90% of medical emergencies on ships can be effectively managed through remote medical consultation when robust telemedicine systems are in place. This data is supported by the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA)'s publication, Telemedicine in Maritime Health: Best Practices and Implementation Guidelines. AP Companies’ telemedicine platform connects crews to accredited specialists within minutes, reducing unnecessary evacuations.

For example, during a recent case in the South China Sea, our telemedicine team diagnosed a crew member with appendicitis, coordinated a helicopter evacuation, and arranged port-side surgery – all within four hours. This efficiency underscores why prevention and technology are key to safeguarding crews.

Is there a difference in how you approach medical assistance at sea in different countries? Would services differ from the US compared to China, for example?

Absolutely. No matter where a ship is, we ensure the same high standard of care through our global network of over 90,000 medical providers and 24/7 support team. Our approach stays flexible to meet local needs while keeping crew safety as the top priority. We proactively advise the vessels on port specific medical capabilities in advance – detailing facility quality, available specialties, and cost considerations. This is critical because healthcare infrastructure varies significantly: a port in in one country may offer advanced trauma care, while another port might require medevac coordination for complex trauma cases.

Our 90,000 vetted providers and 24/7 operations center enable this flexibility – ensuring every case receives appropriate care aligned with local constraints without compromising safety. Ultimately, it’s our global knowledge paired with local expertise that transforms geographical challenges into reliable solutions.

What truly differentiates us is our proactive approach to crew welfare

Ultimately, it’s our global knowledge paired with local expertise that transforms geographical challenges into reliable solutions.

When patients are at sea, how easy is it to prescribe medicines and then deliver them?

At sea, crews primarily rely on the ship's medical chest for treatment. However, when additional medicines are needed, AP Companies arranges teleconsultations with physicians at the vessel's next port of call. These clinicians issue legally compliant local prescriptions. Medications are delivered to the vessel during port operations.

How much do geopolitical events affect the assistance you offer, and how do you overcome these challenges?

Geopolitical instability can disrupt medical access in certain regions, but our globally coordinated approach ensures continuity of care. We maintain constant communication with local offices and on-the-ground representatives across over 35 countries, enabling real-time awareness of emerging risks. This allows us to preemptively adjust medical logistics – identifying backup providers, rerouting patients, or securing alternative ports when local infrastructure becomes unavailable.