Philip J Shapiro News

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…

Liberty Global Logistics (LGL) announced today that Paul “Chip” Jaenichen, former U.S. Maritime Administrator, has joined the Company as its Executive Vice President – US Flag. In his new position, he will be responsible for the oversight of the day to day aspects of the Company’s business relating to U.S. flag, government relations, strategic business initiatives and US cargo opportunities. Chip received his B.S. in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and his Masters’ degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University. Chip joins Liberty after a distinguished career in public service. His 30-year Navy career was spent in submarines and included command assignments as Captain of the USS Albany…

Liberty Global Logistics LLC (LGL) said its newest U.S.-flag Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO/RO) vessel, the M/V Liberty Peace, has commenced service. The flag of the vessel was transferred from Norwegian flag by the captain of the M/V NOCC Baltic to Jeffrey M. Raider, the U.S. Captain of the vessel. The M/V Liberty Peace was delivered to its owners in March 2017. The pure car/truck carrier (PCTC) will proceed to the U.S. West Coast to load cargo, then continue westbound across the Pacific to destinations in the Far East and Middle East. The vessel was designed to transport commercial vehicles, rolling stock and project cargo, as well as military wheeled and containerized equipment such as M-ATVs, HUMVEEs, MRAPs, armored personnel carriers, tanks, helicopters and unit equipment.

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)…

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.