The Liberian-flag fleet grew to a record 3,140 ships, aggregating 97.2m gross tons, in 2009. This represents a net growth during the course of the year of 215 ships and 10.5m gross tons. 2009 was a landmark year for the Liberian Registry. It was the year in which the 3,000th vessel was registered under the Liberian flag, and it was the year in which the agreement between the Liberian Bureau of Maritime Affairs and LISCR covering the management of the registry was extended for a further ten years. Scott Bergeron, Chief Operating Office of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the U.S.-based manager of the Liberian Registry, said, “The past twelve months have been a difficult period for shipping.