The YCF Group has appointed Carsten Gierga as managing director responsible for its activities in Germany. Suwarie Topaz, general manager, has also been promoted to vice-president, global marketing and business development with worldwide responsibilities. The YCF Group of companies includes the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the exclusive administrator of the world’s largest quality ship register, EuroFlag Services (EFS), a Luxembourg-resident company which performs ship registration and management services for shipowners seeking to register vessels under the Luxembourg flag, and EMA Manning Agency, a specialised provider of marine engineers and electricians.