Greeks Boost Liberian Registry

Greek shipowners have boosted the Liberian Registry, committing important newbuildings to the flag. European Navigation has committed five tanker newbuildings, Metro Star has put seven tankers onto the registry and Chandris-backed Celebrity Cruises chose the Liberian flag for its newbuilding cruise ship Millennium and has committed two further newbuildings to the flag. Yoram Cohen, chief executive of LISCR, which manages the Liberian Registry, says, "The choice of our flag by these significant owners demonstrates the confidence they have in the Liberian Registry's ability to deliver the highest quality service and the highest standards of any registry. We are working closely with the Greek shipping community to offer them further benefits, as we modernize and streamline our procedures." LISCR took over the management of the Liberian Registry on January 1, 2000, and has since introduced a number of initiatives to improve service, enhance standards and cut rates for shipowners. It has recently launched a massive information technology investment program to deliver on-line documentation, and at the same time cut tonnage taxes by 75 per cent. 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.