Liberia becomes world’s second-largest ship registry overtaking Marshall Islands

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

“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,” he said.  

“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,” added Castillero.

Read more: Why choice of flag is important - an interview with Alfonso Castillero of the Liberian Registry

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.

“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,” commented Castillero.