Scott Bergeron’s sudden and immediate departure from his post at the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) caught many in the industry by surprise.
LISCR, the company that runs the Liberian registry, confirmed the departure of its long-time chief executive this week after TradeWinds was the first to report on talk of his exit.
Bergeron is a popular figure in the shipping industry and, after a 19-year career at LISCR, had become the face of the Liberian registry. Fiercely loyal to the Liberian flag, Bergeron was regarded as a permanent fixture at LISCR.
“In the ship-registration business, it’s all about connections — the personal touch — and service, and Scott seemed to know everyone and everyone knows Scott. It’s a big loss for Liberia,” a close rival in the ship-registration market said.
No comment from Bergeron
Bergeron declined to comment on his departure when contacted by TradeWinds.
The only official comment came from LISCR, which said: “The Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry confirm that Scott Bergeron has departed from the organisation.”
Speculation has centred on a possible rift with brothers Adam and Elan Cohen, who control LISCR.
Market experts have also pointed to the rise of Alfonso Castillero at LISCR, who joined from the Panamanian registry last year, as a potential factor in his departure.
Castillero's arrival coincided with LISCR regaining the position of the second-largest flag state from close rival the Marshall Islands. He also has put an emphasis on price competition but brought some controversial innovations, such as charging for statutory certification.
The Cohen brothers have a lot of faith in Castillero, who was promoted from chief commercial officer to chief operating officer following Bergeron’s departure.
