> Why are operation costs lower for operators under a different flag? A ship flagged under country X has to obey the laws of country X. So a Liberian flagged s

> Why are operation costs lower for operators under a different flag? A ship flagged under country X has to obey the laws of country X. So a Liberian flagged ship has to obey the laws of Liberia. The minimum wages in Liberia is much less then the US. Overtime rules more relaxed. Safety standards are more relaxed.