Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The International Flag-State Association (IFA), an association of the world’s three largest registries, Liberia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Panama, has been meeting since 2021. IFA is the first alliance of its kind and was designed to allow its members to have a platform to more formally engage with respect to global challenges, stakeholder insight, and the development and implementation of international instruments to enhance maritime safety, security, the protection of the marine environment, and the welfare of seafarers, among others. Capabilities of the successful RISC Unlike other maritime sectors, flag States previously lacked a dedicated and formal global platform. IFA aims to fill that gap. For example, in 2024, IFA members enhanced the capabilities of the successful Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) by improving the paths to information exchange through an integrated online database. The RISC database is an online tool for consultation among subscribed flag States that allows for easier access to details on problem vessels that may be evading regulations or engaging in suspicious activities. While information sharing has been the priority to date for IFA, one of its next steps will be applying for consultative status at the International Maritime Organization to more actively contribute to international policymaking. IFA founding member representatives IFA founding member representatives include Alfonso Castillero, Chief Executive Officer, Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry; Bill Gallagher, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator; and Alexander De Gracia, Deputy Administrator, Panama Maritime Authority. Collectively, these founding member representatives agree that: “IFA brings together the world’s most influential flag States, which represent more than 40% of the world’s gross tonnage, to promote higher maritime safety, security, environmental protection, seafarer welfare, and practical, globally harmonised rules and regulations. Shipping is a worldwide industry and maritime regulations must remain global.” IFA welcomes participation from other flag States committed to these same objectives.

ABS awarded a statement of compliance certificate to AVIKUS Co., Ltd., for the fuel-saving verification framework that AVIKUS has developed for HiNAS Control, an autonomous navigation system. ABS joined AVIKUS, shipping company HMM Co., Ltd., and the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry in a project to assess the fuel-saving potential of the navigation system by analyzing ship performance data from vessels with HiNAS Control installed. A verification framework was developed by AVIKUS to predict potential fuel savings in general vessel operations. ABS reviewed the framework based on existing international standards. HiNAS Control system The HiNAS Control system provides vessels with suggested optimal route and speed data The HiNAS Control system provides vessels with suggested optimal route and speed data and also automatically controls steering and RPMs that enable route tracking, collision avoidance and fuel savings. ABS reviewed the installation of the system based on ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote-Control Functions. “Autonomous technologies are not isolated products but fully integrated within vessel infrastructure and the result of numerous advancements in a wide variety of mechanisms including sensors, imaging, connectivity, machine learning and more.” “When used in vessel operations, autonomous functions have the potential to increase safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve performance,” said Joshua Divin, ABS Senior Vice President, Marine Business Development. Securing ABS verification “Securing ABS verification is a critical milestone, but it is more than a certificate—it is data-driven proof that AI-powered autonomy is a powerful lever for decarbonisation and operational efficiency for the industry.” “A 4 to 5 percent fuel savings is not an incremental improvement; for a global fleet, it represents a fundamental shift in profitability and environmental compliance. We are proud to partner with industry leaders like HMM, ABS, and the Liberian Registry to commercialise this transformative capability and define the future of maritime logistics,” said Dohyeong Lim, CEO of AVIKUS. Operational philosophy “At HMM, our operational philosophy is clear: strengthening our core competitiveness is the foundation of customer trust. The adoption of advanced autonomous technology is a strategic imperative, not an option, and is part of the transformation and innovation required to become a global top-tier shipping company.” “This joint initiative with AVIKUS provides a tangible tool to enhance service reliability and profitability, which reinforces our market position and accelerates our commitment to a sustainable, decarbonised future,” said Wonhyok Choi, CEO of HMM. Impactful joint initiative “The Liberian Registry is proud to support this impactful joint initiative between AVIKUS, HMM, ABS, and our Administration. By issuing a Factual Statement for the HiNAS voyage optimisation system, we affirm its alignment with international standards for energy savings verification and congratulate the stakeholders on the successful outcome.” “This collaboration underscores our commitment to maritime innovation, improved vessel efficiency, and meaningful contributions to industry decarbonisation,” said Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President, Innovation & Regulatory Affairs, Liberian Registry.  The ABS Intelligent Systems Technology Center in Korea provides guidance in autonomous and remote operations as well as SMART Technologies.

DNV has granted a General Approval for Ship Application (GASA) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for their new LNG carrier design. The new design has been developed to offer enhanced cargo capacity, improved operational efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs. Maximising cargo capacity A key design innovation is a streamlined configuration with three instead of four cargo tanks. This is intended to maximise cargo capacity and reduce the number of pump towers and associated cryogenic equipment, such as liquid and gas domes, valves, and piping. As a result, maintenance costs are expected to be minimised, offering substantial savings over the vessel’s operational life. Profitability and operational efficiency Jae Jun Jung, Head of the Initial Design Office, and Executive Vice President of HHI, stated, "The approved design leverages cutting-edge technology solutions aimed at enhancing profitability and operational efficiency." Jae Jun Jung adds, "By expanding the application of proven technologies, HHI has successfully maximised cargo capacity, while maintaining the traditional hull design, ensuring vessels remain highly competitive." Sustainable solutions Vidar Dolonen, DNV’s Regional Manager for Korea and Japan, stated, "We are very pleased to be working with HHI to approve this design." Vidar Dolonen adds, "The GASA reflects HHI's dedication to finding solutions that drive towards improved sustainability and efficiency and their commitment to delivering innovations that are built on the strongest expertise, rigorous class rules and the relevant industry standards." Cost savings Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, said, "This multi-stakeholder project demonstrates that international collaboration can pave the way for approval of innovative design solutions and thereby lead to improved efficiency and cost reduction." Thomas Klenum adds, "Congratulations to HHI for this excellent achievement. The Liberian Registry is proud to have contributed to this successful project." Decreased electricity consumption In addition, HHI’s implementation of GTT's Mark III Flex technology can reduce the daily boil-off rate from 0.085% to 0.08%, which is anticipated to result in a decrease in electricity consumption of the cargo handling system, including the reliquefaction plant, thereby contributing to reducing OPEX. Furthermore, it is expected that cargo unloading operation time will be unchanged by maintaining an arrangement of two cargo pumps with increased capacity per pump tower.