THE Liberian Registry has announced it is opening an office in Imabari, Japan, as part of an expansion into Asia.
Liberia sought to build up its network of full-service offices and representatives in Asia due to the Registry’s growth in the region.
The new office is to be led by Eiji Okazaki, president of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry Japan, the Imabari office is made up of staff trained to handle ship registrations and technical issues.
Mr Okazaki has been leading the Tokyo office since 2017.
An office-warming party recently took place on 3 October, drawing a crowd of more than 170 shipowners.
LISCR chief operations officer Alfonso Castillero began the night with a speech, which was followed by remarks from Japanese shipowners Nagahisa Seno, senior executive managing director of Seno Kisen, and Yukito Higaki, president of Shoei Kisen and Imabari Shipbuilding, as well as further comments by Koichi Fujiwara, chairman of Class NK and a strategic partner of LISCR Japan.
“Opening the Imabari office was a natural step for the Registry; as our client base grows in Japan, we must grow with it,” Mr Castillero said.
“The office is operated by Japanese maritime professionals, speaking the same language as our clients, which is key to providing personalised and high-quality services.
“Liberia will continue to open offices in key locations around the globe to support Liberian-flagged shipowners, wherever they may be in the world.”
