The Liberian Registry announced the opening of a full-service office in Imabari, Japan, in line with the registry’s plan on expanding its presence in Asia to meet the demands of this market and come a step closer to their clients.
The establishment of an Asian full-service office was a long-time plan of the Registry, to develop in the region. Each expansion helps the Registry to meet the specific demands of the market and always keep up with the quality of services provided to the clients.
Alfonso Castillero, LISCR COO, stated
Opening the Imabari office was a natural step for the Registry; as our client base grows in Japan, we must grow with it. The office is operated by Japanese maritime professionals, speaking the same language as our clients, which is key to providing personalised and high-quality services.
In essence, the newly-launched office is led by Eiji Okazaki, President of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) Japan and consists of high-skilled staff, that is able to cope with ship registration matters and local technical issues.
The inauguration of the newly-opened office was conducted on October 3, 2019 and gathered many major shipping players coming from a variety of maritime sectors, such as the shipbuilding industry, class societies and law firms.
Present at the opening ceremony were LISCR COO, Alfonso Castillero, Japanese shipowners Mr Nagahisa Seno, Senior Executive Managing Director of Seno Kisen, and Mr Yukito Higaki, President of Shoei Kisen and Imabari Shipbuilding, as well as Mr Koichi Fujiwara, Chairman of Class NK and a strategic partner of LISCR Japan.
The Liberian Registry is now the second largest ship registry globally, surpassing the Marshal Islands which are in the third place, with Mr Castillero commenting that ‘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%.’
Concluding, in April, the Liberian Registry welcomed Kierstin Lachtman as the new Secretary General of the Liberian Shipowners Council (LSC), succeeding Mr. Joe Ludwiczak who served his role for 17 years.
