[John H K]

Better described as "Liberian-Registered" probably.

This ship has almost certainly never docked or even gone near Liberia in its entire life, and likely not a single Liberian has stepped aboard ir at any time.

It's a "Flag of Convenience"...Liberia (along with Panama, and a few other countries...have low or non-existent ship registration fees.

[Poohbah]

They also have less onerous shipboard regulations than we do.

Gee, ya think we might get more US-registered ships if we eased up on our excesses?

[gridlock]

The ship probably never went to "the coast of Manhattan" either. If she being held beyond the 12-mile limit off Sandy Hook, she's gotta be 25 miles from Manhattan.