Liberian Registry founder Yoram Cohen passes away

Cohen was well regarded for stabilising the Liberian Registry, beginning in the late 1990’s, and subsequently driving its remarkable growth and expansion globally through much of the 2000’s. Under his leadership the Registry became an institution in the maritime sector. He was widely admired for his commitment to shipowner clients and for his efforts in innovating the Flag industry.

In 2016, Cohen was succeeded by his two sons, Adam and Elan Cohen, as Chairmen of the Liberian Registry, but he remained a guiding figure and mentor within LISCR.

Colleagues remember and admired Cohen for his sharp commercial vision and unique sense of humour. He was well known for being exceptionally authentic and disarming in his communication style. Colleagues cheerfully recall it as being very “Yoram.” The Liberian Registry credits the foundation of its service culture to Cohen’s intuitive ability to personally connect with clients and industry partners. He was an inspiration to his staff and to many friends and colleagues in Liberia and around the world. 

His sons, Adam and Elan, remarked, “Yoram was a consummate optimist and risk taker. So original in everything he did. He rescued the Registry during an acutely difficult time and made it flourish. His creative imagination was unmatched and allowed him to build multiple businesses and commercial teams. He was a mentor to so many and is responsible for such much of Liberia’s local economic development. He was a pillar in the various industries and countries that he worked in. We are so proud of who he was and what he built.”

Cohen was a serial entrepreneur who founded and led numerous successful ventures that spanned globally, ranging from organizations in the maritime industry to the telecommunications sector. 

The Liberian Registry is the fastest growing major Flag globally, and its staff credit Cohen for establishing its core principles and foundational roadmap for success. 

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.