Liberian Registry Launches Internet-Based Inspection

The Liberian Registry has launched a unique Internet-based vessel inspection application based on technology developed by the Wallem Group. The Internet-based inspection application will allow inspectors to compile inspection reports during annual safety inspections and will create a historical database of the vessel's condition. This secure database will be confidential to the registry and the relevant shipowner. Owners will however be offered the option of providing the vessel's condition history to Port State Control authorities, underwriters, charterers, and other interested parties.

Yoram Cohen, chief executive of LISCR, which manages the Liberian Registry, says, "Working with Wallem-developed technology, we have been able to take another vital step in raising flag state standards, while offering our owners another value-added service. Our force of over 200 inspectors around the world will be able to work more effectively, and we will provide and maintain sophisticated electronic records of the ships which fly our flag. Our owners will have a valuable independent source of information regarding their ships to draw upon."

From April 15, 2001, the Liberian Registry will begin limited use of the application. The application enables any digital media (i.e. photographs, videos and thickness measurements) to be overlaid on the vessel plans, their location identified by means of "hot spots". Prior to performing a flag state inspection, the Liberian inspector will be able to download inspection records and digitized drawings of the vessel. The downloaded information will also include guidance on hot spots and areas of particular interest as specified by LISCR's professional staff. During and following the survey the inspector is able to enter data directly into the application, including photographs, and can upload the entire survey record direct to a central repository. After completion, LISCR's staff will review the electronic survey report and check it for further action. This report will then form part of the registry's database for that ship. Full-scale roll out of the system will be completed within a matter of months.

"We foresee that the quality owners who choose to register with the Liberian Registry will welcome a system which will enable them to demonstrate the history of their vessel's condition to interested parties such as PSC authorities, underwriters and charterers. We hope it will give a lead to other flag states who want to take their responsibilities seriously, and we will be actively talking with PSC authorities about how this could form the basis of a pre-clearance system for Liberian-registered ships. I would like to commend Wallem, whose pragmatic approach and sophisticated technology has enabled us to take this major step forward," says Cohen.

Harry Gilbert, chief executive of the Wallem Group, says, "In this initiative we share with LISCR the desire to provide a global, service-orientated and value added high-tech solution for the shipping industry. We have developed a series of Internet-based applications which benefit our shipowner clients, and it is a natural extension of our ambitions to provide technology for other serious partners in the industry."

The Liberian Registry is one of the world's largest and most active open registers, combining the highest standards for vessels and crews with the highest standards of responsive service to owners. It is proud to be on the Paris MOU White List of high standard flags. Almost 1,900 vessels of 60m gt currently fly the Liberian flag. The Wallem Group is one of the world's leading diversified shipping companies. The activities of the Wallem Group encompass shipowning, ship and cargo broking, ship management, ship agency, freight forwarding, and shipyard and marine equipment services. These activities are carried out from their head office in Hong Kong as well as offices throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and North and South America.