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Liberty Maritime News

09 Mar 2023

Orca AI Lands Deals with ARC and Liberty

Maritime technology company Orca AI announced it has secured deals with U.S. Ro-Ro operators Liberty Maritime Corporation and American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) to deploy its automated situational awareness platform across their respective fleets. Liberty was one of the early collaborators with Orca AI, deploying the first Orca AI unit on a US flag Ro-Ro vessel (Liberty Pride) in 2019.The platform, which is installed on Liberty’s ro-ro vessels and on ARC’s entire fleet, acts as a fully automatic watch-keeper, powered by computer vision and deep learning algorithms that detect, track and classify navigation-applicable targets that may pose a risk to the vessel.It is operational 24/7, prioritizes risk and presents it in a user-friendly interface.

13 Aug 2019

LGL Announces Retirement of Robert G. Wellner

Robert G. (Bob) Wellner and David R. Minetti (CREDIT: Liberty Global Logistics)

Liberty Global Logistics LLC (LGL) announced today that Robert G. (Bob) Wellner, its current President, will retire effective December 31, 2019. Mr. Wellner is a widely respected industry veteran with more than 46 years of experience in the U.S.-flag shipping and logistics industry and was a key player in the formation and growth of LGL.Mr. Wellner joined forces with Philip J. Shapiro in 2003 which led to the formation of LGL. LGL commenced operations in 2004. Mr. Shapiro had previously formed Liberty Maritime Corporation in 1988…

24 Aug 2017

MEBA, Liberty Maritime Spat Heats Up

Liberty Maritime responds to MEBA’s ‘Informational Picket’ against the U.S. flag operator. Coinciding with Liberty Maritime’s reflagging ceremony in the Golden Triangle; The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) this week staged what they characterized as an ‘informational picket’ today against Liberty Maritime Corp., to include Liberty Global Logistics (Liberty). Not so, says Bob Wellner, President of Liberty Global Logistics LLC (LGL), who weighed in this morning on the matter. In his own prepared comments, Wellner told Marinelink, “The MEBA agreement with Liberty Maritime only covers dry cargo vessels which are enrolled in the Maritime Security Program.

15 Dec 2015

Liberty Chooses Ecochlor BWTS

Image: Ecochlor

The Ecochlor Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) has been selected for installation on board Liberty Maritime Corporation’s fleet of nine U.S. and foreign flagged ro/ro and bulk carrier vessels. According to Ecochlor, Liberty’s quality management programs recognize the need for eco-friendly solutions in the global marketplace and they continually strive to meet and exceed all environmental standards set forth by the IMO, the U.S. government and all local jurisdictions in which they operate.

15 Jan 2014

Wells, Georgiopoulos to Keynote HACC/NACC Ship Conference

Peter Georgiopoulos

The conference committee of the 20th annual Hellenic-American and Norwegian-American Chambers of Commerce conference, often called the New York Shipping Conference, announced today the luncheon keynote speakers will be and George Wells of Cargill and Peter Georgiopoulos. Entitled “Today’s Vision- Tomorrow’s Reality”, the conference will present a Macro Shipping and Economic Overview, a look at Shipping 2020, the challenges of balancing safety, regulatory compliance and costs, the current outlook and sources of dry bulk demand and supply…

21 Oct 2013

Arntzen Joins World Maritime Day Risk Management Panel

Morten Arntzen web

Clay Maitland, Chairman of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association, announced that Morten Arntzen will moderate the Risk Management panel at this year’s North American World Maritime Day Observance being held on October 30th aboard the Hornblower Infinity in New York. This annual event explores this year’s World Maritime Day theme of Sustainability and will include a risk management roundtable featuring industry leaders such as Peter Evensen of Teekay, Phillip Shapiro of Liberty Maritime…

19 Jul 2013

Date for Diary: N. American World Maritime Day Observance Conference

Clay Maitland, Chairman NYMAR: Photo credit NAMEPA

'Sustainable Maritime Development'  will be the thrust of the 2013 World Maritime Day Conference in New York in October. Clay Maitland, Founding Chairman of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), has announced the program for the 2013 North American World Maritime Day Observance being presented by NAMEPA and the United States Coast Guard. The conference is designed to bring forward updates on environmental stewardship, promoting a safety culture, new technologies and innovation, maritime education and training.

24 Jan 2013

Liberty Maritime Files Complaint Alleging MSP Violations

Liberty Statement Regarding Maritime Security Program Complaint. January 23, 2013: Today, Liberty Maritime Corporation and several other Liberty companies filed a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against the U.S. Maritime Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation alleging violations of law in the administration of the Maritime Security Program dating back to 2005. Mr. Philip Shapiro, President and CEO of Liberty Maritime stated:  “MARAD has failed in its responsibility to distinguish between actual U.S. citizen companies and entities masquerading as U.S. citizens for the purpose…

06 Nov 2012

New York Floating Venue for NAMEPA Conference

'Hornbolower Infinity': Photo credit NAMEPA

NAMEPA's upcoming 5th Anniversary Conference and Awards Dinner to move aboard the 'Hornblower Infinity'. Hurricane Sandy created a lot of havoc in New York, but it hasn’t dampened the  North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA)’s plans for its 5th Anniversary Conference and Awards Dinner being held on November 14th which will now be held aboard the Hornblower Infinity, docked at Pier 40 (33 West Street). A dynamic conference, featuring Philip Shapiro of Liberty Maritime…

24 Oct 2012

NAMEPA Announce Upcoming Conference, Awards

Clay Maitland: Photo credit NAMEPA

Clay Maitland, Chairman of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), announces two major events. NAMEPA’s Environmental Intelligence in Maritime Conference, will feature “Greening the Marine Transportation System”, “The Arctic”, “Safety at Sea” and “Corporate Risk Management”. This conference, with NAMEPA's fifth anniversary in mind, will be held on 14, November 2012, and is to be followed by NAMEPA’s 2012 Marine Environment Protection Awards honoring Maersk, NOAA, SUNY Maritime College, and the American Salvage Association (ASA).

15 Feb 2012

ABS Recognized for 150 Years of Service

ABS celebrated its 150th anniversary in Washington, DC on 31 January and was recognized by Members of Congress for the classification society’s proud history and unwavering commitment to the American and international maritime community. “I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating ABS on its 150th anniversary and in recognizing ABS’ significant service to the American marine and offshore industries and our sea services,” stated Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, in remarks entered into the Congressional Record. Congressman LoBiondo was joined by Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA)…

07 Oct 2011

Liberty Maritime Changes Union Affiliation

MEBA accuses operator of creating labor dispute and delaying important cargoes. AMO enters into new collective bargaining agreement with Liberty. On Monday, Liberty Maritime Corporation announced that it had entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with the American Maritime Officers (AMO) union under which the AMO will provide U.S. citizen licensed deck officers and engineers to Liberty Maritime for the operation of five U.S.-flag dry bulk carriers effective October 1, 2011. Previously subject to a collective bargaining agreement with Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, District No. 1-PCD (MEBA), that contract expired on September 30, 2011. According to a prepared Liberty statement, MEBA will continue to provide deck officers and engineers on the three U.S.

03 Oct 2011

Liberty Maritime Corporation Announces Change in Union Affiliation

Philip J. Shapiro, President and CEO of Liberty Maritime

Liberty Maritime Corporation (Liberty Maritime) of Lake Success, New York today announced that it has entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with the American Maritime Officers (AMO) union under which the AMO will provide U.S. citizen licensed deck officers and engineers to Liberty Maritime for the operation of five U.S.-flag dry bulk carriers effective October 1, 2011. Those vessels had previously been subject to a collective bargaining agreement between Liberty Maritime and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, District No. 1-PCD (MEBA), which expired September 30, 2011.

03 May 2010

ABS New Council and Committee Members

Melvyn J. Dennett, Admanthos Shipping Agency, Inc. Jim Bradford, General Manager – Operations, Gulf Offshore N.S. Dr. William J. Dr. David W. Costas M. Fostiropoulos, Chairman, Almi Tankers S.A. Dr. Ian J. Jim Miller, President & CEO, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. Mrs. Leif Kristian Nielsen, Executive Vice President, A.P. Dimitrios Patrikios, General Manager, Springfield Shipping Co., S.A. Leonidas S. Polemis, Manager, Remi Maritime Corp. Gerard H. Capt. Yodchai Ratanachiwakorn, Operations Director, Thoresen & Co., (Bangkok) Ltd. I.S. Dalton Marcio Schmitt, Managing Director, Astromaritima Navegacao S.A. William Scott, Manager, Engineering & Technical Services, Tidewater Inc. Peter S. Josh M. Suhartoko, Senior Vice President – Shipping, PT.

01 Feb 2010

Seafarers & Int'l House Awards Banquet

On Thursday evening, April 22, 2010, Seafarers & International House will hold its annual awards banquet, “Setting the Course,” at the New York Athletic Club for the purpose of honoring Donald Keefe, President of Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, Philip J. Schapiro, President & CEO of Liberty Maritime Corporation and Joseph C. Sweeney, Distinguished Professor of Law at Fordham University School of Law. Seafarers & International House is a Lutheran mission serving seafarers and sojourners. Its 84-room guesthouse at 123 East 15th Street in Manhattan, once one of several seafarer hotels, is now utilized to accommodate a greater variety of travelers, including domestic violence victims, refugees, asylum seekers, as well as the reduced number of seafarers requiring accommodations.

21 May 2009

Liberty Maritime Calls for Action Against Piracy

Liberty Maritime Corporation President and CEO Philip J. Shapiro testified May 20 on lessons learned from the international piracy crisis and the immediate need to protect American merchant mariners on U.S.-flag vessels. In his testimony before the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Shapiro advocated for more effective means of protecting U.S.-flag vessels transiting the pirate danger zone. “We strongly urge the government to consider embarking a small number of U.S. government security personnel on the very few U.S.-flag vessels that transit high-risk transit areas at any one time,” Shapiro said. As piracy continues to escalate, with more than 80 attacks so far this year, the U.S. Coast Guard announced earlier this month updated anti-piracy guidelines for U.S.

14 May 2009

Liberty Calls for Arming U.S.-Flag Vessels

Liberty Maritime Corporation President and CEO, Philip J. Shapiro, asked Congress to provide the U.S. legal framework to allow for ship owners to arm crews or contract armed private security teams when necessary. In the interim, Shapiro asked for government security teams or naval escorts of all U.S.-flag vessels on high risk transits. Liberty Maritime owns the M/V Liberty Sun, a cargo ship recently attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden while delivering U.S. government food aid to several African countries, including Somalia. “The Maersk Alabama incident constitutes a game changer,” Shapiro said in a hearing before the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security Subcommittee.

16 Apr 2009

M/V Liberty Sun Crew Safe Following Attack

On April 14, United States flag merchant vessel M/V Liberty Sun and its crew, operated by American shipping company Liberty Maritime Corporation of Lake Success, New York, was attacked by Somali pirates. The pirates fired rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons at the vessel which sustained damage. Liberty Maritime immediately requested the assistance of the United States Navy which dispatched forces to assist and protect the crew and the vessel. The Liberty Sun was on a voyage enroute to Mombasa, Kenya from Houston, Texas carrying American food aid cargo for African nations suffering from famine. Earlier last week, the vessel…

11 Apr 2002

OMI Elects Shapiro as a Director

OMI Corporation said that Philip J. Shapiro has been elected a director of OMI. Mr. Shapiro is President and CEO of Liberty Maritime Corporation, the largest privately held independent operator of U.S. flag dry bulk vessels. He is also a director of the Steamship Mutual Protection and Indemnity Club and an elected member of the American Bureau of Shipping. Craig H. Stevenson, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of OMI commented that "Philip is well known in shipping for his business acumen and ability to make things happen. OMI is fortunate to add his experience and keen judgment to that of our other Board members."

09 Apr 2002

OMI Corporation Elects Shapiro as A Director

OMI Corporation has named Philip J. Shapiro, president and CEO of Liberty Maritime Corp. as a director. Shapiro, whose position is with the largest privately held independent operator of U.S. flag dry bulk vessels, is also a director of the Steamship Mutual Protection and Indemnity Club and an elected member of the American Bureau of Shipping.

18 Aug 1999

MarAd Offering Tankers for Sale; Issue Ruling

The Maritime Administration (MarAd) has two tankers up for sale, for the limited purpose of their reconstruction for sale or charter to a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country for use as oilers. Both vessels, Henry Eckford and Benjamin Isherwood, are located at the James River Reserve Fleet, Fort Eustis, Va. MarAd also issued a ruling denying Apex Marine Ship Management Company's request for confirmation. The ruling states upon properly being document under the U.S.-flag, an existing foreign-built vessel may be qualified immediate participation in the U.S.-Israel grain trade consistent with the terms of a 1998 Side Letter issued by the Israeli Government. Liberty Maritime Corporation opposed the request. In addition, Park Place New Orleans of Las Vegas, Nev.

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