Marshall Islands flag registry strengthens presence in Japan

INTERNATIONAL Registries Inc (IRI), the maritime and corporate administrator in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, has appointed the Marine Bureau Inc (MBI) as its official representative to Japanese shipowners and operators.

"There are a growing number of Japanese shipowners and operators flying the Marshall Islands flag and MBI will provide services to meet their needs," said Bill Gallagher, president of International Registries (Far East) Limited in Hong Kong.

Said MBI president Masaharu Okamoto: "Our common goal is to provide the best quality ship registration and the most efficient marine safety and technical support."

MBI was established in 1975 as the Japanese representative to International Cargo Gear Bureau Inc, (ICGB) and was assigned to conduct surveys in accordance with international conventions on ship maintenance and repair.

MBI is one of Japan's leading maritime service companies with more than 1,700 vessels on its books. As a special agent of the Marshall Islands Registry, Mr Okamoto is authorised to act on the registry's behalf in connection with the registration and documentation of vessels.