IPNEWS: The Liberian Registry, the world’s second-largest ship registry, in response to the needs of shipowners and the ship finance and legal community, has announced a series of amendments to the Liberian Maritime Law that will streamline the process of recording ship mortgages while continuing to it user-friendly. While reducing costs, the changes will maintain the full integrity of the process.

“These amendments have long been asked for by the shipping community and set Liberia even further ahead of other flag states that maintain their bureaucratic and archaic procedures and services,” said Alfonso Castillero, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR).

The amendments provide that Liberia now accepts the electronic filing of mortgage instruments. In addition, the amendments clarify that mortgage debt documents, such as a loan agreement or a hedge agreement, do not need to be provided or recorded together with the mortgage instrument. These amendments also make it clear that various modifications to the underlying debt, such as a change in interest rate or payment terms do not require the filing of a mortgage amendment.

LISCR has long been a leader in technological advancements and was the first ship Registry to allow electronic certificates aboard its vessels and to implement remote ship closings. The acceptance of the electronic filling of mortgages is the next step in its continuous enhancement services offered by Liberia.

“These enhancements are exactly what the shipowners and operators, as well as banks and lenders, have been asking for, and Liberia has listened and acted,” said Castillero. “Liberia continues to focus on the needs of its fleet, from the registration and mortgage process to vessel operations and safety. These types of initiatives are why LISCR is on track to be the largest ship registry in the world, while still maintaining the highest quality standards.”