Philip J. Shapiro is the President and CEO of Liberty Maritime Corporation, a New York based ship management company, operating five 64,000 DWT and three 50,000 DWT dry bulk vessels owned by Liberty Shipping Group LLC, as well as one PCTC-Roll On/Roll Off vessel owned by Alliance New York LLC.

Today Liberty Shipping Group is the largest privately held independent operator of dry bulk ocean shipping vessels registered under the U.S. flag. Shapiro is also the president and CEO of Liberty Shipping LLC. The Liberty Fleet has successfully transported over 28 million tons of US origin food aid on over 500 voyages to more that 40 countries worldwide as well as other preference cargoes for various US government agencies including the Departments of Agriculture, State, and Defense.

Prior to founding Liberty in 1988, Shapiro served as vice president and general counsel of Apex Marine Corporation. During his eight years in the position he developed his understanding of the intricacies of ship management, fleet operations, vessel financing, and governmental regulation of US flag shipping.

Born in 1952 in New York City, Shapiro was raised in Great Neck, NY and graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Political Science. He received his J.D. in 1978 from Hofstra University Law School, and was admitted to practice law with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York as well as by the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. 

Shapiro currently serves as a director on a number of private and public corporate and charitable boards including the NYSE listed OMI Corporation, United Seaman's Service, and the American Maritime Congress. He is an elected member of the American Bureau of Shipping, serving on the North American Committee as well as its ABS Council.

Shapiro was named "Man-of the-Year" by the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity in 1998 and in 2001 received the "Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award" from the United Seamen's Service for his distinguished service and contributions to the American shipping industry. In 2002 he was presented with the prestigious "Ellis Island Medal of Honor" for his leadership and achievements in the International Shipping Community.

Shaprio and his wife Janet reside in Brookville, New York. They have two children, Joshua and Brooke, ages 22 and 20 respectively.