The Liberian Registry announced its Expedited Registration Process, ERP, effective as of 1 January 2020, in an effort to further simplify the registration and re-registration of vessels in the Registry.

According to a recent statement, the new process reduces the number of requirements, and allows for technology and digital files to replace administrative work, creating a more simplified process overall.

This new ERP showcases Liberia’s commitment to reducing unnecessary workflows, saving time and leveraging technology in order to provide a better user experience.

Chief Registrar of the Liberian Registry, Greg Maj, noted that “the vessel vetting is done electronically and within minutes, while all supporting documents are now accepted in E-form prior to registration and post-closing. Furthermore, class documents are no longer required at initial registration for most ROs, as the data is already automatically exchanged.”

Additional changes implemented by the ERP include

- abbreviated application for registration;
- in-house verification of recorded signatures;
- the acceptance of digital versions of original documents;
- reduced need for Evidence of Authority among others.

The process is now easier and more efficient than before, aiming to save clients time and money.

Alfonso Castillero, COO of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says that "this is a reduction of 50% of our registration time; time is important and we want to offer simpler and faster solutions than our obsolete competitors. With the data we have collected accompanied by our software, we don’t need to burden our clients by asking for the same information twice.”

The Liberian Registry continues to invest heavily in technology to streamline processes that helps its growth; the Registry grew by 20 million GRT in 2019.

In October 2019, the Liberian Registry announced the opening of a full-service office in Imabari, Japan, in line with the registry's plan on expanding its presence in Asia to meet the demands of this market and come a step closer to their clients.

In March 2019, the Liberian Registry announced launch of a new platform for crews and/or managers of Liberian flagged vessels to anonymously report incidents of corrupt demands and practices experienced during port operations.