Norwegian shipowners drop call to boycott Liberian registry

Norwegian shipowners drop call to boycott Liberian registry The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association has lifted its recommendation dating back to late 2001 not to use the Liberian ship registry.
   The NSA had previously called on its members not to deal with the Liberian registry until the African country 'answered the UN’s call for increased transparency surrounding cash flows from the country.”
   The Liberian Registry is one of the world's largest shipping registers with nearly 2,700 ships and almost 83 million gross tons using its flag.
   'The Norwegian authorities have now recognized the positive developments in Liberia, not least by upgrading the Norwegian diplomatic presence in the country, cancellation of debts and providing assistance for reconstruction. On this basis, and because the Liberian registry has met the requirements of increased transparency concerning financial transactions between the registry and the Liberian government, the board of the NSA has found it appropriate to lift the recommendation to its members not to use the Liberian ship registry,' the NSA said.
   Scott Bergeron, chief operating officer of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the U.S.-based manager of the Liberian registry, said: 'We welcome this decision by the NSA. The Liberian registry is a natural home for all quality owners, and we are confident that its continued, planned growth will be bolstered still further by this decision from Norway.'