International Shipholding (ISH+) 8-K International Shipholding Corporation Provides Update Regarding Withdrawal of Liberty Offer and Other Strategic Alternatives

UNITED STATES

 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

____________January 16, 2009_______________

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported)

Commission file number  –  2-63322

INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  Delaware                                                                  36-2989662                                           

 (State or other jurisdiction of                                                                (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 incorporation or organization)

11 North Water Street, Suite 18290                                  Mobile, Alabama                                               36602

 (Address of principal executive offices)                                                                                                     (Zip Code)

       (251) 243-9100                                                                                     

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 [ ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act

 [ ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act

 [ ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act

 [ ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act

Item 8.01.    Other Events.

On January 16, 2009, International Shipholding Corporation issued a press release providing an update regarding the withdrawal of the Liberty offer and other strategic alternatives.  A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01.    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c)   Exhibit

Exhibit Number                                                Document

99.1   Press Release dated January 16, 2009

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORPORATION

/s/ Manuel G. Estrada

_____________________________________________

Manuel G. Estrada

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date ____January 16, 2009