The Liberian Registry's fleet has grown to 200m gt, a development which has helped consolidate its position as the world’s second largest flag.

The flag said that it has been shipping's fastest growing flag every year since 2019.

The Liberian Registry said it has been a popular choice for German and Greek shipowners but it has also made recent gains in the Japanese, South Korean and Chinese markets.

Its claim to be shipping's fastest growing flag is backed by data from broker Clarksons.

The shipbroking giant's figures show that the Liberian Registry fleet has grown by 3.1% this year. Tonnage leader Panama and third-largest Marshall Islands, both grew by 0.9%. The average world fleet growth this year has been 0.8%.

“This historic milestone, and rapid growth of the Liberian Registry over the course of the past two years is a testament not only to the quality of service and responsiveness provided by the Liberian Registry, but to the trust placed in the Liberian Registry by a majority of the world’s quality shipowners and operators,” said Alfonso Castillero, chief operating officer of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR).

The executive took over the position of chief operating officer at LISCR, the company that runs the registry on behalf of the government of Liberia, in 2019 when the recent growth began.

Castillero said the Liberian Registry is on the white list of the main Port State Control MOU regions.

It has registered an additional 276 ships so far in 2021, 28% of which are newbuildings. Currently the Liberian Registry fleet stands at 4,750 vessels.