Liberian flag added to QUALSHIP 21

The Liberian flag has been included in the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) QUALSHIP 21 (QS21) roster for 2019-2020. QS21 recognizes vessels and flag states which have successfully met specified safety and quality requirements and regulations when calling at ports in the United States.

Alfonso Castillero, Chief Operating Officer of the Liberian Registry, notes, “We are very pleased to have made the QS21 roster. It is recognition for the many years of work that we, our clients, ship managers, and masters and crew have put into safety training and meeting environmental standards. We have a great team of dedicated staff - good people with at-sea experience - who are working closely with vessels on compliance as they come into the US.”

To qualify for QS21, flag administrations must have a three-year Port State Control (PSC) detention ratio of less than 1.00% and be credited with 10+ PSC exams per year for the last three years. QS21 status brings advantages to vessels visiting the US. Liberia and eight other maritime nations were all new additions to the QUALSHIP 21 (QS21) & E-ZERO list this year.

Alfonso Castillero says, “The number of new additions to QS21 in 2019-2020 is fantastic recognition of the work that maritime administrations, owners, and crew have put into safety initiatives. It is also testament to the efforts of the US Coast Guard, who are often overlooked when it comes to handing out praise.

“Inclusion in QUALSHIP 21 is a great achievement for any flag, and the wider industry should celebrate the number of states making the USCG’s grade.”

The Liberian Registry has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive and innovative service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment. www.liscr.com

Liberia confirmed as world’s second-largest ship registry

Liberia is the second largest ship registry in the world, according to leading shipping analyst Clarksons in its Clarksons World Fleet Monitor January 2019. This report confirms that, in gross tonnage terms, Liberia has overtaken and outgrown the Marshall Islands, which now languishes in third place.

Alfonso Castillero, CCO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “This is about quality of service, not discounted rates.

“The Liberian fleet was the fastest growing major open flag in both the shipping and offshore sectors in 2018, and currently has a growth rate of 8.0% - more than twice that of most other open flags. There are a number of reasons for this, not least a growing recognition on the part of major shipowners and managers that Liberia, more than any other flag state, is able to combine increased safety and efficiency with reduced costs.

“The quality of service offered, and the rapid response times achieved, are important factors behind the significant growth recorded by the Liberian Registry, whose clients are able to communicate with our highly qualified, motivated staff at any time of the day or night, thanks to the registry’s global network of offices staffed by experience professionals.

“Owners and managers have also been shifting their fleets to Liberia because of the huge cost savings available under the historic agreement on port dues with the People’s Republic of China. This agreement, which was recently renewed, can result in savings to owners of millions of dollars.”

Liberia is not only making shipping more cost-effective. It is also making it more efficient and safer through the strategic deployment of its expanding global services and international presence and its pioneering role in the application of cutting-edge technology.

Alfonso Castillero says, “Compared to other flags, the detention rate for Liberian-flag ships was down significantly in key jurisdictions in 2018, especially in areas like China, where other flags experienced an increase in their detention rates. This was due in no small part to the success of Liberia’s complimentary Detention Prevention Programme, the first of its kind developed by a flag state.

“Liberia is ideally positioned to further strengthen its leading position in the global shipping industry. It will do this by continuing to take proactive action in the best interests of owners and managers who make their flag choices on the basis of a registry’s proven success and effectiveness. Liberia is the smartest decision for owners looking for the best quality with significant cost savings.”

The Liberian Registry has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive and innovative service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment. www.liscr.com

Liberia becomes first flag state to join the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network

Liberia has become the first ship registry to be admitted to the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) as an associate member.

Alfonso Castillero, CCO of the Liberian Registry, says, “We are greatly honoured to be the first ship registry admitted as an associate member of the MACN. The organization has done great work fighting corrupt practices in some of the most difficult regions in the industry. MACN’s model of government and local partner collaboration, and industry-led collective action, is considered global best-practice. It’s not often the shipping sector gets that sort of recognition.

“Effective flag states, such as Liberia, offer a unique perspective and opportunity in the fight for a maritime industry free of corruption. Liberia’s fleet of over 4,325 vessels trades in some of the world’s most difficult regions. Our global network of full-service offices and local inspectors means that the flag is never far away. Together with MACN, we can help provide the crews of these ships with processes and procedures as well as with firm backing and support to defeat bribery attempts. This backing serves to allay fears and prevent negative recourse by unscrupulous officials seeking enrichment at the expense of shipowners.”

MACN’s Programme Director, Cecilia Müller Torbrand, welcoming the Liberian flag as an associate member, says, “As we have already shown, strength in numbers is a central part of how MACN can drive change. It is vital we look for ways to include maritime-related businesses who want to take part in this fight. Flag states are a central part of the shipping world and we look forward to the contributions Liberia will make to MACN’s future efforts.”

Benson Peretti, the Liberian flag’s MACN representative, says, “MACN has shown that the shipping sector can work together for outcomes that few would have thought possible. We look forward to being an active participant and sharing with the group findings and lessons learned to improve everyone’s ability to fight corruption. We would encourage other flag states to consider joining the network, because the more we work together the better the results will be for crew, owners, and the wider shipping community.”

The Liberian Registry is comprised of over 4,325 vessels aggregating 157 m gt, representing 11% of the world’s oceangoing fleet. Liberia has earned international respect for its dedication to flagging the world’s safest and most secure vessels. The Liberian Registry is recognized at the top of every industry White List, including those of the major Port State Control authorities. As a founding member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Liberia took a leading role in global shipping at a very early stage and continues to be a member of the IMO Council. www.liscr.com


The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) is a global business network working towards the vision of a maritime industry free of corruption. Established in 2011, MACN has grown to include over 100 members globally, and has become one of the pre-eminent examples of collective action to tackle corruption. MACN and its members work towards the elimination of all forms of maritime corruption by raising awareness of the challenges faced; implementing the MACN Anti-Corruption Principles and co-developing and sharing best practices; collaborating with governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to identify and mitigate the root causes of corruption; and creating a culture of integrity within the maritime community.
www.maritime-acn.org/

Liberia creates Offshore and Gas Technology Department

Liberia, the fastest growing major open registry in both shipping and offshore, has established its Offshore and Gas Technology Department, renewing the registry’s focus in these sectors. This department strengthens Liberia’s presence in the offshore and gas sectors and is a response to the registry’s unprecedented growth in 2018.

Long trusted as a leading ‘expert flag’ in the offshore field, Liberia has formalized its in-house technical and commercial capabilities in the offshore sector with the formal creation of its Offshore and Gas Technology Department at its US headquarters, comprising members from its global network of industry experts.

This Offshore and Gas Technology Department is headed by Capt. Stephen Bomgardner, an industry expert and consultant with offshore experience as a Master/OIM of drillships. The department includes Technical, Safety, and Registrations personnel and capabilities.

Alfonso Castillero, CCO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “The reasons for establishing this department are twofold – to service the exacting requirements of our existing offshore clients, and to keep up with the growth we have experienced in the offshore sector with so much demand for the flagging of drillships, rigs, and FPSOs in our registry.”

Liberian-flag fleet growth has reached an astronomical 9.8% so far this year, far surpassing all other flag states. Alfonso Castillero says, “The first half of 2018 has shown what a strong presence the Liberian flag has in the offshore sector, with an increase in market share more than three times that of the next major open registry. This is due in no small measure to the strong fundamental understanding by the registry’s staff – many of whom have practical experience of the offshore industry - of the problems facing this fluctuating sector.”

The Liberian Registry has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive and innovative service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment. www.liscr.com

Liberia adopts law amendments in line with new ship finance environment

The Republic of Liberia has responded to the needs of shipowners and the ship financing and legal community by amending Liberian maritime law to allow lease financing structures to be recorded as mortgages. As a result, Liberia is the only flag state with preferred status in China able to record financing charters.

The advantages offered to the shipping industry by Liberia as a result of the changes made to the country’s maritime law are by no means limited to leasing houses in China, but rather are available to all stakeholders, worldwide. Lease structures for ship financing are, however, increasing in popularity in Asia, in particular, and the inability to record a financing charter to perfect security hinders access to this kind of financing.

With that in mind, the Liberian Government has introduced amendments to provide for the recordation of financing charters similar to ship mortgages. In addition, the amendments to Liberian maritime law clarify that it is not necessary for evidence of mortgage debt to be provided or recorded together with mortgage instruments. They also make provision for a definitive definition of the term ‘vessel’ under Liberian law that includes permanently moored watercraft. Moreover, the amendments embrace several other administrative improvements such as a reduction in the number of original mortgage instruments required to record a Liberian mortgage and clarifications related to the physical marking of the vessel.

Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “The recent legislative initiative by the Republic of Liberia to amend its maritime law is yet another example of Liberia identifying the needs of shipowners and operators as well as those of their ship financing and legal advisers.

“The Liberian Registry has experienced tremendous growth in Asia over a number of years. Most recently, that growth has accelerated following enactment of the historic Agreement on Maritime Transport between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of Liberia, under which Liberian-flag vessels are charged a preferential rate for tonnage dues when visiting any port in China. The added ability to record a financing charter as a mortgage enshrined in the recent maritime law amendments will strengthen still further the high level of mutually beneficial co-operation which exists between Liberia and its Chinese partners.”

The text of the Liberian maritime law amendment is available on the Liberian Registry’s website at www.liscr.com/liberian-maritime-law. Queries regarding the amendments should be addressed to legal@ycfmaritime.com


The Liberian Registry has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive and innovative service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment. www.liscr.com

Liberia opens state-of-the-art maritime training institute

Liberia President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf officially opened the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) at an inauguration ceremony in Marshall City, Liberia, on 5 January. The state-of-the-art facility is named after John G Bestman, former Liberian finance minister and a member of the board of governors of the Central Bank of Liberia.

Under the management of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), LMTI has undergone a massive renovation and facility modernisation programme over the past two years, resulting in the creation of a new campus and state-of-the-art facilities. There are currently 24 full-time cadet-students – selected after an exhaustive nationwide programme of interviews and examinations - studying mechanical and electrical engineering on campus at LMTI.

President Johnson-Sirleaf toured the 17.3-acre facility, which includes a newly constructed hi-tech workshop accommodating a machinery shop, a welding and gas-cutting shop, an electrical lab, an electronics lab, a machining shop, and a seamanship shop. Other facilities include a computer lab, ship simulators, air-conditioned classrooms, a training swimming pool, and a state-of-the-art gymnasium

LMTI managing director Avi Zaidenberg says, “The Liberian government solicited LISCR to restore and operate LMTI, to facilitate first-rate education and to produce certified high-quality seafarers, in keeping with Liberia’s rich maritime heritage. The training is also designed to develop and nurture skills which can be used ashore in local markets for the advancement of the Liberian economy, and to support the expansion of the domestic maritime sector. Our overall objective is to enhance the capacity and quality of Liberia’s next-generation workforce.”

The Liberian Registry is the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive and innovative service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment. www.liscr.com

Liberia strikes blow for global shipping with challenge to Brazilian court ruling

The Liberian Registry, in co-operation with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), has succeeded in helping the holder of a Liberian mortgage to overturn a decision of the Brazilian courts which, if left uncontested, could have had serious adverse legal and economic consequences for the international shipping industry.

Pursuant to the acquisition of the FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading vessel) OSX-3 in March 2012 by a Dutch company and following re-registration under the Liberian flag, the vessel was mortgaged in favour of Nordic Trustee ASA, a Norwegian entity acting as the security trustee and mortgagee of the vessel.

In an action before the lower court in Brazil, an unsecured third-party creditor, Banco BTG Pactual S/A Cayman Branch, successfully challenged the status of the Liberian mortgage in Brazil on the grounds that the mortgage was not registered with the Admiralty Court of Brazil and that it was only filed with Liberia.

On 16 November, 2017, the Superior Court of Justice in Brazil unanimously granted Nordic Trustee’s special appeal and the amicus (‘friend of the court’) motion filed jointly by the Liberian Registry and the ICS, of which the Liberian Shipowners' Council is a member, against this decision. The motion sought to clarify and rescind the lower court ruling, on the ground that it created uncertainty around the enforceability of mortgages for the majority of the world fleet - including those registers in major flag states such as the US, the Marshall Islands, China and Germany - when such vessels were trading in Brazil.

Liberia took swift and decisive action following the decision of the lower court by filing the joint amicus motion to the main proceeding through its local counsel, Basch & Rameh. Liberia successfully submitted to the Court that the decision of the lower court would have an adverse legal and economic impact on the shipping industry, that it overlooked international conventions, and that it ignored international custom.

Other ship registries, meanwhile, decided not to join the motion despite having major interests in Brazil and notwithstanding the possibility that their mortgages could be questioned and invalidated.

Hara Gisholt, Vice-President, Business & Legal Affairs for the Liberian Registry says, “This has been a long and difficult process but one we were determined to see through. Recognizing that the lower court decision could have been detrimental to international maritime trade, we decided to join as an amicus party early on. Although we were navigating uncharted waters, we knew this was the right decision.”

Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian Registry says, “This is an historic victory for ship financing, international commerce and the Liberian maritime programme. The Liberian Registry’s swift and meticulous actions exemplify what we stand for – excellence, quality and being a true partner for our clients.”

To request an English translation of the court decision, please email Hara Gisholt at hara.gisholt@liscr.com


The Liberian Registry is the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive and innovative service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.
www.liscr.com

Liberian Registry launches cyber and ship security computer-based training programme

The Liberian Registry has launched a Cyber and Ship Security Computer-Based Training (CBT) programme that provides a comprehensive overview of cyber-security issues, including concepts such as malware, network security, identity theft, risk management, and other common threats to maritime security.

Jorgen Palmbak, Director of Maritime Security for the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “Cyber-attacks have been identified as among the most serious emerging threats to the security of today’s shipping industry. Over 40% of crew members have reportedly sailed on a vessel that has become infected with a virus or malware - and only 1 in 8 crew members have received cyber-security training.

“In recent years, it has become apparent that maritime companies, ships, and ports are not adequately protected against what is clearly a rapidly evolving threat. Furthermore, IMO has issued a resolution giving shipowners and managers until 2021 to incorporate cyber-risk management into their ship safety plans. The Liberian Registry believes that there is an immediate need for both crew and shore-based staff to receive cyber security training as part of an overall security skill-set update and has accordingly taken a proactive approach to the issue.

“The CBT program also provides a comprehensive overview of common maritime security threats, including the risk of criminal activity, threats to ship security, port-based drug-trafficking risks, security roles and responsibilities on board, and an introduction to the ISPS code. It further covers issues relating to stowaways, about 2,000 of whom are discovered each year hiding on ships, and piracy attacks, of which there have been an average of more than 300 per year since 2009.”

The two-hour computer-based training program is divided into four modules, with ongoing evaluation through a series of questions. On successful completion, a certificate is awarded.

The Cyber and Ship Security Computer-Based Training fulfills the requirements of STCW security awareness training. Additionally, the Liberian Registry’s Seafarer Certification and Documentation Department will accept completion of the training for its security awareness special qualification.

The training is recommended for all individuals, at all levels of seniority, who require enhanced training to deal with the threats faced by all companies, vessels, and crew.

For more information contact: publications@liscr.com or visit: www.liscr.com/CBT.

The Liberian Registry is the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive and innovative service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment. www.liscr.com

Liberian Registry cements position as No 1 choice for Greek shipping

Liberia has confirmed its position as the leading flag of choice for Greek ship owners and operators, according to statistics produced by the independent research and information organisation Marine Information Services (MIS) in Greece.

The MIS figures show that the Greek merchant fleet now includes 1,037 Liberian-flag ships. Liberia also leads the way in terms of total deadweight tonnage registered under its flag by Greek owners, aggregating 78m dwt.

Michalis Pantazopoulos, Senior Vice-President of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry in Greece, says, “The MIS figures measure fleet size in numbers of ships and total deadweight tonnage, which are the parameters used by the International Maritime Organization and widely recognised throughout the industry.

“It is fitting that Greece, the number one shipping nation in the world, should choose Liberia as its number one ship registry. This reflects both the uniquely strong historical ties between Greek shipping and the Liberian flag, and the proactive and innovative approach adopted by the Liberian Registry in what has been an extremely challenging time for the shipping industry.

“Strong links have existed between Greek shipping and Liberia since the Stavros Niarchos-owned oil tanker World Peace became the first ship to be registered under the Liberian flag in 1949. From that time until the present day, the Greek shipping community has supported the Liberian Registry, and vice-versa, through good times and bad. Liberia is delighted that Greek shipping has once again given the Liberian flag a definitive vote of confidence, and looks forward to building on that still further in the future.”

The Liberian Registry has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. The Registry has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive and innovative service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.

www.liscr.com

Liberian Registry makes key appointments in Tokyo

The Liberian Registry has appointed Eiji Okazaki as president of the Tokyo office operated by its US-based manager, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).

Mr Okazaki was formerly president and CEO of Japanese ship owner and ship manager IMECS Co Ltd, a subsidiary company of the Japanese major trading house, ITOCHU Corporation. He has nearly forty years’ experience of working at an executive level in the shipowning and ship sales and purchase sectors in Japan, Korea, and Europe. He replaces Takeshi Okamoto, who will return to ClassNK in June after more than five years at the Liberian Registry.

The Liberian Registry is also pleased to announce that Yoshimi Uraguchi has joined LISCR from ClassNK, as technical manager of its Tokyo office. Mr Uraguchi has accumulated extensive experience of class and statutory surveys, condition and risk assessment programmes, and class maintenance surveys since joining the Japanese classification society in 2003.

Alfonso Castillero, Global Vice-President of the Liberian Registry and LISCR Japan Executive Chairman, says, “We are naturally sorry to be losing Takeshi Okamoto back to ClassNK, with whom we continue to enjoy an excellent relationship. Takeshi did an outstanding job of helping to strengthen LISCR’s presence in Japan, and he leaves with our very best wishes for his future career.

“Meanwhile, we are delighted to welcome Eiji Okazaki and Yoshimi Uraguchi to LISCR, and are very confident that their experience, expertise and global contacts will serve to strengthen still further LISCR’s strong presence in Japan and the Far East generally.”

The Liberian Registry broke all records in the Japanese market during 2017 and is the second largest open registry in the world. It has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. The Registry has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.

www.liscr.com

Liberian Registry passes historic 150m gross tons landmark

The Liberian Registry has passed the historic milestone of 150 million gross tons, confirming its position as the second largest ship registry in the world, behind only Panama, in terms of numbers of ships and gross tonnage.

Following registration of the 43,301 gt bulk carrier SBI Jive, owned by the Scorpio Group, the Liberian-flag fleet currently numbers 4,167 vessels aggregating 150m gross tons. This milestone was recognized today at the Connecticut Maritime Association’s annual Shipping Conference where Cameron Mackey, Chief Operating Officer of the Scorpio Group accepted a ceremonial Certificate of Registry from Liberian Registry CEO, Scott Bergeron.

Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “There is currently intense competition for business in the ship registration sector. Liberia welcomes competition based on quality, safety and service, and we are excited about our immediate and long-term future.”

The Liberian Registry has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.

www.liscr.com

Liberian Registry launches innovative new website

The Liberian Registry has further strengthened its industry-leading role for technological innovation by relaunching its website in an ultra-user-friendly format. Among other things, owners and managers of the 4,150-plus vessels in the Liberian-flag fleet will have direct access to an online application system for ship liability certificates and an extensive and user-friendly online library featuring official guidance and vessel registration forms.

Innovative features of the mobile-friendly www.liscr.com website include a new Annual Fee Calculator and a China Port Tonnage Dues Savings Calculator. The latter affords owners and managers access to details of the preferential tonnage tax dues made uniquely available to Liberian-flag ships under an Agreement on Maritime Transport between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Liberia. There is also a new, enhanced Vessel Registration Forms and Procedures facility, providing a user-friendly interface for clients searching for specific vessel registration documentation.

The new website includes a range of user-friendly and innovative features, including an Inspector/Auditor Search Tool, a Vessel Certificate Verification Tool, an MLC Certificate Search Tool, and a Seafarers Look-up Tool. It also features a portal to an online application system for Ship Liability Certificates via the Liberian Registry’s state-of-the-art web-based interface, WayPoint. Clients will also be able to apply here for international convention certificates.

An enhanced Online Library provides access to an extensive archive of the Liberian Registry's Marine Notices, Marine Advisories, Policy Letters, Forms and Procedures, and Vessel Registration Documentation. Users can search by key categories, tag-words or from a general search word facility to locate the information and documents they need. They can also order publications online, and review dates of upcoming requirements and IMO meeting notes.

The website’s user-friendly interface and homepage features a Maritime Events Calendar and a ‘What's New’ feed, providing an overview of the Liberian Registry's most recent developments, products and services. A News Feed, meanwhile, features recent press releases, links to news articles, blog entries, and recent seminars and conferences attended by the Registry. At the click of a button, users will also be able to subscribe to corporate and maritime newsletters, marine notices and advisories, and regulatory updates. In addition, there is a new BLOG feed, and access to the latest registry news.

Allison Wilson, Public Relations & Communications Manager of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “Speedy, innovative and user-friendly access to information is a fundamental requirement in any successful industry. The newly enhanced LISCR website is designed to provide the owners and managers of Liberian-registered ships with instant access to the information and service they need, wherever they are in the world, at any time of the day or night, so that they are able to operate safely, profitably and in compliance with international rules and regulations.”


The Liberian Registry has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.

www.liscr.com

Liberian Registry strengthens Asia team to meet growing demand

The Liberian Registry has announced strategic new appointments in a number of key areas within the Asian regional offices operated by its US-based manager, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).

Ms. Wan Ching Chiang has been promoted to Registrations Manager for the Liberian Registry in Singapore. Ms. Chiang is embarking on her fifth year with the Liberian Registry, which she joined as Registrations and Corporate Co-ordinator. In her new role, Ms. Chiang will be overseeing vessel mortgage and corporate registrations for the Liberian Registry’s fast- growing number of South-East Asian clients. Ms. Chiang graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and has previous experience with working in the financial industry with both HSBC and Barclays Capital.

The Liberian Registry’s Greater China team has been bolstered by the additions of Mr. Pao Chi Hsu and Mr. Owen Fu as Technical Managers. Mr. Hsu, who holds a Master’s Degree in Ocean Engineering, has previously worked as a lead class surveyor in the Greater China region and as a vessel superintendent for a leading bulk carrier owner. Mr. Fu is taking on this new challenge following a successful career as a leading port state control officer and department head for China’s Maritime and Safety Administration in the port of Ningbo. Mr. Fu obtained his Master’s Degree in Naval Architecture from Shanghai Jiaotong University, and his Ph.D. in Engineering from Shanghai Maritime University. Mr. Hsu’s and Mr. Fu’s expertise with vessel compliance, audits and port state support has played a critical role in significantly reducing the number of detentions of Liberian-flagged vessels in the Tokyo MoU region.

LISCR CEO Scott Bergeron says, “The Liberian Registry has experienced tremendous growth in Asia over a number of years. Most recently, that growth has accelerated following the historic Agreement on Maritime Transport between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of Liberia, under which Liberian-flag vessels will be charged a preferential rate for tonnage dues when visiting any port in China.

“The Liberian Registry is committed to expanding its network of professionals to meet increasing demand, providing expertise and advice when and where it is needed, and adding to our core strength of offering timely, informed and innovative service to our continually expanding client base.

“Asia is a vibrant and vital hub in the worldwide shipping chain, and increasing numbers of owners from the region are putting their trust – and their ships – in the Liberian Registry. These recent executive appointments confirm our commitment to providing the best service available to shipowners, operators and managers anywhere in the market today.”

The Liberian Registry has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.

www.liscr.com

Liberia says flag states must be proactive in difficult market conditions

The Liberian Registry says that, in today’s challenging shipping markets, flag states must be proactive in the best interests of shipowners, operators and managers, rather than simply fulfilling their traditional role as certification bodies.

Alfonso Castillero, Vice-President of the Liberian Registry, told a recent Liberian Port State Control seminar in Tokyo, "In the current difficult market conditions, flag states can no longer afford to regard themselves as mere factories for issuing registration certificates. It is necessary to evolve and to embrace new challenges. Shipping registers need to combine quality and innovation with tradition, experience, reputation and flexibility.”

Mr Castillero was speaking at a Port State Control (PSC) seminar organised by the Liberian Registry. The objective of the seminar, which was attended by representatives of the Australian Maritime Safety Agency (AMSA), was to promote among clients of the Liberian Registry a clear understanding of the Port State Control process in Australia, so that owners, operators, and managers can achieve full compliance with – and facilitate efficient inspections under – Australia’s PSC regime.

Benson Peretti, Managing Director of the Liberian Registry’s Singapore office, outlined for the seminar the Liberian Registry’s PSC results for the year to date, showing a major reduction in detentions in China, Australia, and the United States, thanks in large part to the free compliance assistance programmes being implemented by Liberia to help owners ensure full compliance, and reduce the incidence of PSC detentions worldwide.

Takeshi Okamoto, General Manager of LISCR Japan, meanwhile, explained how and why the Liberian Registry is leading the global campaign to seek an extension to the implementation date for the Ballast Water Management Convention.

The seminar was attended by over one hundred industry professionals, including Liberian flag clients and potential clients looking to switch flags or register new vessels under the Liberian flag. The mood of the seminar was summed up by the chief executive of one leading Japanese shipowner who emphasised, “We must comply with all international regulations, and that is why we need a flag that will always stand beside us." www.liscr.com

Liberia Registry launches electronic oil record book

The Liberian Registry, in partnership with Prevention at Sea Ltd, a Cyprus-based maritime compliance technology company, has launched an innovative software product designed to replace traditional paper oil record books (ORBs) and to facilitate correct ORB entries into an efficient electronic format.

 

Liberia’s Electronic Oil Record Book (ε-ORB) is the most recent in a long line of ground-breaking industry initiatives designed to make the Liberian-flag fleet the safest, greenest and most efficient afloat. It is intended to address a variety of issues, including oil record books being reported missing on board, failure to document entries in the ORB of internal transfer of oily mixture, discrepancies between entry into the ORB and actual capacity of the oily water separator, and falsification of log entries.

 

Christian Mollitor, Vice-President of the Liberian Registry, says, “The Liberian Registry is proud to deliver innovative products that help shipowners proactively comply with regulatory requirements. It is our belief that many errors found in oil record books are caused by human administrative error rather than wilful non-compliance with MARPOL. However, the consequences of incorrectly recording oil waste transfers are very serious and may lead to criminal prosecution. 

 

"Through the use of technology, we have developed an IMO-compliant oil record book that eliminates the chance for administrative errors, ensures accuracy and accountability in record-keeping, and is easily auditable both on board and ashore. The ε-ORB affords peace of mind, knowing that your ship maintains accurate information when pulling into port."

 

Created in accordance with MARPOL requirements and certified by Lloyd’s Register under MEPC1/Circ. 736/Rev. 2 guidelines, the ε-ORB is designed to establish transparency, credibility and traceability. All information is stored electronically through the use of a system back-up, making archiving easier and enabling past data to be revisited. The ε-ORB software will be available for use by shipowners, ship operators, and authorities worldwide.

 

For more information on the ε-ORB software, please contact eorb@liscr.com

 

 

The Liberian Registry has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.

 

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Liberia remains number one open register for Greek shipowners

Figures released by the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee (GSCC) show that Liberia has cemented its position as the undisputed leading open registry of choice for Greek shipowners.

The GSCC statistics show that, in the year to end-March 2016, the gross tonnage of Greek-controlled ships in the Liberian Registry increased by 995,781 gt. Liberia, with 744 vessels aggregating 54.74m dwt, is second only to Greece itself in terms of the number of Greek-owned ships flying its flag, and comfortably ahead of the Marshall Islands in third place. Eighteen per cent of Greek-controlled ships are registered under the Liberian flag, again second only to Greece (20 per cent).

Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “There can be few stronger and more mutually successful relationships in international shipping than that which exists between Greek shipowners and the Liberian Registry. It is, moreover, encouraging to see that that relationship endures through good and bad times alike for the industry and for the global economy.”

Michalis Pantazopoulos, Senior Vice-President of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (Hellas) SA in Piraeus, says, “It is surely no coincidence that the world’s most innovative shipping register is the number one choice of open flag for shipowners from the world’s leading shipping nation. The Greek shipping community continues to demonstrate great loyalty to the Liberian Registry, which in turn continues to respond by providing the innovative service and guaranteed quality and safety which owners demand.”

The Liberian Registry is one of the world’s largest and most active shipping registers and has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners.

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LISCR chief says integrity is essential to success and safety in shipping

LISCR chief says integrity is essential to success and safety in shipping

Scott Bergeron, chief executive of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), says companies need integrity, regard for the value of people, a commitment to technological innovation and an understanding of the value of customer service in order to be successful in tomorrow’s shipping industry.

Addressing the CMA Shipping 2016 meeting in Stamford, Connecticut, Bergeron said, “The integrity of the Liberian Registry is tested regularly. It is usually easy to say ‘Yes’ to a client, because nobody wants to hear complaints or suffer the potential consequences of failing to agree to a request. The difficult part comes when you need to say ‘No’.

In a live poll of the audience at the well-attended conference, a majority of shipping industry representatives indicated that integrity is routinely compromised in the name of financial gain. Bergeron encouraged the industry to do much better, outlining examples of where the Liberian Registry will not compromise on safety. These included not negotiating on minimum safe manning and not approving unacceptable risk. “When the customer proposes an unreasonable risk,” he said, “we need to have the confidence of our convictions.”

Bergeron went on to stress the importance of companies being able to demonstrate consistently the high value they place on their people. In contrast, he noted that he was saddened to see how some seafarers are being treated during the current economic downturn. Bergeron said, “It is not uncommon that wage payments are delayed and crew changes are prolonged beyond reason. Even worse, there are an increasing number of cases of crew abandonment.”

Bergeron also emphasised that technological awareness and the ability to provide first-class customer service are essential to the success of any commercial organisation in the shipping industry. He said, “In many cases, the shipping industry can be slow to adopt technology, both ashore and afloat. Yet early and effective adoption is a critical element of commercial success.

“The Liberian flag is the most innovative in the business, with an ever-growing list of technology firsts to its name, including the implementation of the first online fee calculator and the first flag state mobile app. Liberia was also the first ship register to provide electronic certificates for vessels, with online verification through tracking and identification numbers. Our philosophy is to apply technology to meet challenges, improve efficiency, reduce expenses for clients, and improve the overall experience that our clients have in working with us.

“It took our competitors more than ten years to offer something similar to our online portal facilitating applications for seafarer documents, and most flags still do not have this ability. The benefits exceed all expectations, with some clients achieving savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars in reduced courier fees as a result of using this system.”

On the subject of customer service, Bergeron told the CMA meeting, “The Liberian Registry listens to its clients, and what it hears has led to some of its greatest accomplishments, including the online application system and the registry’s extensive use of electronic certificates.”

In conclusion, Bergeron defined the successful company of the future as one that applies technological innovation early and effectively, consistently places a high value on the people who make the company run, regards integrity as paramount, and always understands and tries to satisfy the needs of its customers.


The Liberian Registry is one of the world’s largest and most active shipping registers, and has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.

www.liscr.com

Liberian Registry appoints new general manager for London

The Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, has appointed Kostas Ladas as general manager of its London office.

Kostas Ladas joins LISCR from London-based ship and insurance broker and agent Victoria Steamship Co Ltd, where he was vessel operations manager. Prior to that, he spent over 25 years with Coscon/Cosco (UK) Ltd in London, where he held a variety of executive roles, including Chartering & Shipbroking deputy general manager, commercial manager and company legal adviser.

LISCR CEO Scott Bergeron says, “London is one of the world’s leading centres of maritime commerce, and LISCR’s dedicated presence there is a vital part of the Liberian Registry’s global network which provides help and advice to ship owners and managers at all times of the day and night. Kostas’s extensive all-round experience of ship and chartering operations, together with his specialist legal and insurance expertise and his exhaustive industry contacts, makes him the ideal person to head up the registry’s London operation.”

Kostas Ladas says, “I have seen how the role of responsible ship registers has evolved and increased in importance over the past 25 years, and I am proud to be joining the most successful and proactive registry in the industry today.”

The Liberian Registry is one of the world’s largest and most active shipping registers, and has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.

www.liscr.com

Liberian Registry selected as finalist for Lloyd’s List innovation award

An environmental initiative launched by the Liberian Registry to help reduce global carbon emissions and to enhance fleet efficiency and competitiveness has been selected as a finalist for the Lloyd’s List 2015 Global Innovation Award.

The award recognises innovative projects which have demonstrated, or have verified potential, to move shipping forward. Scott Bergeron, chief executive officer of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the registry, and a principal of global marine service provider the YCF Group, says, “We are delighted to have been nominated for this prestigious award. The Liberian Registry is an environmentally aware and responsible operator, always looking to help shipowners improve their green credentials and meet other corporate social responsibilities. This nomination confirms that Liberia is committed to remaining the greenest fleet afloat.”

The LISCR environmental initiative offers a complete energy-saving solution for ships on a global basis with an add-on specifically crafted for Emissions Control Areas (ECAs). The global programme includes an optimal mix of fuel efficiency retrofit solutions for each target vessel, based on its trading pattern, age, size, speed, and consumption. For ships trading within ECA zones, the programme can include the installation of exhaust scrubber systems or the conversion of engines to LNG dual-fuel, to comply with emissions requirements.

The Liberian Registry is one of the world’s largest and most active shipping registers and has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners. It is a subsidiary operation of the YCF Group which, through its complementary entities, has developed an exhaustive range of regulatory compliance and training services, providing shipowners with comprehensive flag administration options on a global scale.

www.liscr.com

Liberian Registry launches green ship initiative

The Liberian Registry says it is determined to ensure that the Liberian-flag fleet remains a leader in environmental compliance. Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the registry, says, “The Liberian Registry is an environmentally aware and responsible maritime administration. We have launched a new initiative to help shipowners improve their green credentials and meet other corporate social responsibilities. Our aim is to ensure that Liberia remains the greenest fleet afloat.

“The Liberian administration welcomes any new technology and ship designs which improve operational efficiency and lower ship emissions to the atmosphere, including greenhouse gases. ”

As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental excellence, the Liberian Registry recently entered into a partnership with US-based consultancy EfficientShip Finance (ESF) to launch an innovative environmental initiative designed to reduce global carbon emissions, enhance fleet efficiency and competitiveness, and promote a greener Liberian fleet. The Liberian Registry is also offering special tonnage tax discounts for ships participating in this green initiative. Each ship in the programme will be entitled to a 50 per cent annual tonnage tax discount in the first year, and up to a 25 per cent discount in both the second and third years.

ESF’s partnership with LISCR offers a complete turnkey energy-saving solution for ships on a global basis with an add-on specifically crafted for Emissions Control Areas (ECAs). ESF will provide the financial capital needed for each project, and assume responsibility for technology performance and fuel volatility risk, along with the technical supervision and monitoring to perform retrofits. Owners and operators remit to ESF a proportion of the amount they save on fuel costs, or which they receive in the form of additional negotiated hire. The retrofit projects require no upfront capital by owners and, since the payments are always a share of the savings, there is an ongoing net benefit to customers.

Christian Mollitor, LISCR vice-president and project manager of the green initiative, says, “This represents a great opportunity for owners with ships delivered prior to the eco-boom to have their ships retrofitted with proven fuel-saving technologies. This is yet another example of Liberia’s innovative approach to help its shipowners to keep their lead in an increasingly competitive environment.”

The ESF global programme includes an optimal mix of fuel efficiency retrofit solutions for each target vessel, based on its trading pattern, age, size, speed, and consumption. The technologies used represent the most widely accepted and tested solutions in the market including, among others, wake-improving ducts, rudder bulbs and fins, protracted tip propellers, engine improvements, smooth coatings, and performance and trim optimising software.

For ships trading within ECA zones, the programme may include the installation of exhaust scrubber systems or the conversion of engines to LNG dual-fuel, to comply with emissions requirements which came into effect on 1 January, 2015.

Christian Mollitor says, “We are delighted to have concluded this agreement with ESF. It should help owners and operators reduce fuel costs while creating the potential to increase hire or charter rates or achieve better pool points, and increase asset values in the secondhand market.

“It should also produce improved utilisation rates and marketability, and reduce port costs, freeing up funds for core business investments, including new ship acquisitions, or just facilitating the preservation of cash reserves to make it through a tough market.”

Oliver Petrakakos, COO of ESF, says “The Liberian Registry is the perfect partner for the implementation of this fuel-saving model, given its continuous emphasis on managing a high-quality fleet. ESF is committed to helping LISCR’s fleet continue to be green pioneers, while increasing the market competitiveness and strength of its owners.”

The Liberian Registry is one of the world’s largest and most active shipping registers, and has long been considered the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners.

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