About Us
Our History
In 1879, Boss Shenck’s Saloon, on the Portland waterfront, was an early gathering place for the maritime trade. News of ship arrivals was posted by patrons and the establishment became the birthplace of the Merchants Exchange.
Since that time, the Merchants Exchange has grown and expanded in order to keep pace with the ever-changing maritime trade and advancing technology.
Member Benefits
Our membership makes up the core of the local Marine Shipping community. Our members include, but are not limited to: steamship operators, admiralty attorneys, customs brokers, tug and barge companies, freight forwarders, stevedores, ship repair services and port authorities.
The Exchange serves as a hub for local industry social and political networking activities as well as a hub of vessel information. Our members enjoy a direct relationship with the Exchange and its services. Each member company holds a vote for board nominations and eligibility for board membership. All of our services and activities are member focused.
The Merchants Exchange caters its services to the ever-changing demands of local industry. We are constantly working to develop new ways to help our members do business. If the service you need is not listed, ask us and we can work to develop it for you.
Services currently offered include:
- Vessel Reporting
- Cargo Statistics
- Vessel Statistics
- Custom Reports
- Grain Bulletin
- Grain Committee Membership
- Answering Service
- Special Reports and Services
Become a Member Today!
Membership Dues & Services
Choose the Best Plan!
Check out our Basic to Complete Member Rate Plans. Additionally, find out more information about other fees.
Friends of the Exchange
We offer our maritime friends a way to participate and suppport the maritime community.