Liberian flag benefits as Greek fleet adds to tonnage total

“Greece is one of a number of countries in which Liberia is now the fastest-growing fleet,” says Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the U.S.-based manager of the Liberian Registry,

Figures just released by the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee (GSCC) show that Liberia is the leading independent ship register of choice for Greek-controlled shipping companies, second only to the Greek flag itself.

In the year ended March 31, 2012, Liberia saw a net increase of 38 Greek-controlled ships aggregating 4.63 million dwt – more than twice the number of vessels secured by any other ship registry. In deadweight terms, seventeen per cent of Greek-controlled ships are now registered with Liberia, compared to 22 per cent flying the Greek flag.

“Liberia and Greece share a strong maritime history of co-operation and success dating back to the birth of the Liberian Registry,” commented Mr. Bergeron. “It is very gratifying to know that, more than sixty years on, Greek owners still value the efficiency, safety and responsiveness of the Liberian flag so highly.

Although the Greek-controlled fleet decreased in terms of ship numbers in the year under review from 3,848 to 3,760 vessels, the GSCC says that gross tonnage rose from 153.13 million gt to 155.9 million gt, while, in deadweight terms, the increase was from 261.68 million dwt to 264.05 million dwt — a new record in the 25 years since the GSCC first published statistics. The latest figures include 437 newbuildings, aggregating more than 25 million dwt, on order with shipyards around the world.

April 18, 2012