For more than 280 years, Baltic Exchange has had a rich history and with it comes decades of physical records and media that showcase the incredible story and prowess of one of the maritime sector's most renowned institutions.

Early records of the Baltic Exchange, including those from the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries, have long been stored at The London Metropolitan Archives. These documents include Shareholder Books from the financing of the St. Mary Axe building, various photographs of previous chairmen, summaries of members' Baltic careers, and annual Baltic Exchange Member Books from the 1860s to 1998.

Since 1998, all Baltic records have been digitalised and can be accessed free of charge in the official search rooms at the London Archives.

However, the original versions of these documents have now been returned to the Baltic Exchange. Despite the organisation's best efforts, including attempting to donate them to shipping colleges and universities, as well as museums, these original copies are now without a home. With Baltic Exchange set to move into its new headquarters in 2025, there is also unfortunately no space for them in the new office.

As a result, these resources are now available to members to keep for free to help preserve the heritage of the Baltic Exchange.

If you are interested in getting a hold of some of Baltic Exchange's rich history, please reach out to David Ventham, a shipbroker at the Baltic from 1975-2015, at davidventham@hotmail.co.uk

Please note that these resources are only available until 9 January 2025. Any resources that do not find a new home by this date will unfortunately be destroyed.

Delivery of the resources would be free to any address in Southeast England. Any voluntary donation is suggested to be made to the Salcombe Lifeboat Fund, which Baltic Exchange is proud to support. A full list of available Membership Books is noted below.

  • 1893-1899
  • 1901/2
  • 1933/7/8
  • 1942/6/8
  • 1950/1/5/6/7/8/9
  • 1961-1968
  • 1982/3/4
  • 1996/7/8

If you have any questions, please contact David for more information.