THE Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, has appointed Shigeki Fukuda to head up its dedicated office in Tokyo as increasing numbers of Japanese shipowners and operators elect to flag their vessels with Liberia .

Shigeki Fukuda is a vastly experienced and knowledgeable shipping executive. He spent 37 years with Japanese shipowner Daiichi Chuo Kisen Kaisha, part of the Sumitomo group of companies, and subsequently served as a director on the boards of a number of Daiichi subsidiary companies.

LISCR Chief Operating Officer Scott Bergeron says, “Shigeki Fukuda brings to the Liberian registry a wealth of practical shipowning and operating experience, as well as the accumulated wisdom of almost forty years working in the marine industries. He becomes an important part of the registry's key management team, which is dedicated to keeping Liberia at the very top of the ship registry league.

“ Japan is one of the World's largest ship owning countries. With its high quality standards, it is a very important market for Liberia , the World's second largest ship registry. We respect the vast experience which is so prevalent in Japanese shipping and it is our strategy to be close to the owners and managers in order to offer the very highest and most responsive levels of service possible. With so many Japanese owners currently considering their flag selection policies, we believe it is that level of service, together with Liberia's widely acknowledged focus on safety and its quality reputation, which makes the registry an attractive proposition for their consideration.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Fukuda states, “I am excited about the new challenges offered to me by the Liberian Registry. I believe that my international experience and long-established relationships in the shipping industry will serve the registry well in its endeavours to provide local quality service and to re-establish robust associations with Japanese shipowners, many of which date back more than thirty-five years.

Bergeron concludes, “ Liberia is fortunate to appoint someone of Mr. Fukuda's stature and reputation and we are honoured by his acceptance. Mr. Fukuda's appointment is the first of several significant steps that the Liberian Registry will make to invest in Japan and renew the relationships that are necessary for Liberia to become the Japanese open registry market leader as it was thirty years ago.

For a photograph of Shigeki Fukuda, please email chris@merlinco.com

l The Liberian Registry has a track record going back nearly 60 years of combining the highest standards for vessels and crews with the highest standards of responsive service to owners. It is proud to be in the top group of the Paris MOU White List of high-standard flags as well as the largest Qualship 21 designated registry by the US Coast Guard. Over 2,300 vessels of 72m gt currently fly the Liberian flag.

Issued by: Chris Hewer Merlin Corporate Communications Tel: +44 1293 55 00 44 chris@merlinco.com