The Liberian Registry has made a first step in the process of helping shipowners lessen their environmental footmark, for example through transforming ship engines’ operation with LNG.

According to Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the Registry is environmentally responsive and trustworthy maritime organization that has started the brand new initiative of supporting shipowners in the betterment of their green status and in the complying with corporate social obligations. The Registry’s purpose is to make sure that Liberia possesses the most environmentally friendly operating fleet. In this line he adds that the Liberian authorities are open to new technologies and ship constructions that further the operational efficiency and diminish the ships’ emissions in the environment.

The environmental initiative of the Registry can be outlined in several aspects. For example the Registry has just started cooperating with Efficient Ship Finance (ESF) with the aim of lessening global carbon emissions, improving fleet efficiency and competitiveness and presenting a more environmentally friendly Liberian fleet. Another aspect is that the registry is providing tonnage tax deductions for ships taking part in the initiative. Each vessel in the green initiative will be given the right of 50% tonnage tax deduction during the first year and up to 25% deductions in each of the second and third years.

Christian Mollitor, LISCR Vice President has commented about the program that it signifies an important chance for shipowners-especially for those that possess ships delivered before the eco-boom. The chance is for them to have the ships renovated according to established fuel-efficient technologies. This comes to support again the brand new model of Liberia in supporting shipowners’ being in the forefront and keeping their competitive position in the market.

The initiative concerns also the operation of LNG engines. Ships making an exchange within Emission Control Area (ECA) zones may be supplemented with the construction of exhaust scrubber systems. In other words the engines will be transformed to LNG dual-fuel to meet the emissions obligations that have come into operation on 1 January 2015. According to Oliver Petrakakos, COO of ESF, the Registry is the best partner for the application of the mentioned fuel-saving pattern because of its persistent focus on providing a high-quality fleet. ESF is dedicated to supporting LISCR’s fleet desire to proceed with green initiatives while bettering its competitiveness in the market and the capacity of its owners.