The Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee (GSCC) has confirmed that Liberia is the leading independent ship register of choice for Greek-controlled shipping companies, second only to the Greek flag itself.

Figures just released by the GSCC show that, in the year ended 31 March, 2012, Liberia experienced a net increase of 38 Greek-controlled ships aggregating 4.63 million DWT – comfortably more than twice the number of vessels secured by any other ship registry. In the same twelve-month period, Panama and Cyprus, respectively, lost 33 and 25 Greek-controlled ships. In deadweight terms, 17% of Greek-controlled ships are now registered with Liberia, compared to 22% flying the Greek flag.
 
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 155.90 million, while, in deadweight terms, the increase was from 261.68 million DWT to 264.05 million, 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.
 
Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “Greece is one of a number of countries in which Liberia is now the fastest-growing fleet. Liberia and Greece share a strong maritime history of co-operation and success dating back to the birth of the Liberian Registry. 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.”