About Us
For over two centuries, the Port of Baltimore has been a vital hub of maritime commerce. In the late 17th century, its piers and wharves stretched across what we now know as Fells Point and the Inner Harbor. Even then, the need for timely, accurate vessel arrival information was as critical as it is today.
In the 1790s, a group of forward-thinking businessmen introduced the “Baltimore Telegraph”, an early arrival notification system. From a lookout platform atop Federal Hill, spotters used a powerful telescope to scan the Patapsco River for incoming ships. When a vessel was sighted, they would identify it either by reading the vessel’s name or by recognizing the distinctive colors and markings associated with the ship or its owner. Once identified, signal flags were raised from the tower, giving waterfront workers several hours of advance notice to prepare for the vessel’s arrival.
From 1954 to 1960, the Baltimore Maritime Exchange (BME) continued this tradition using a lookout at North Point and a surplus Navy telescope. Spotters relayed vessel names and arrival times by telephone to dispatchers, who then notified agents, tug operators, linemen, and others on their call list.
In 1960, a new era began. In partnership with the State of Maryland and the Association of Maryland Pilots, BME helped launch a ship-to-shore communications system. The Port Authority dubbed it “The Voice of the Chesapeake Bay”, a name that still resonates today. Pilots began carrying portable VHF radios, enabling real-time communication with BME dispatchers and improving coordination across the port.
Our Role Today
While the tools have changed, our mission remains the same: to provide accurate, timely, and actionable information that supports safe, efficient, and environmentally sound maritime operations.
Today, BME leverages advanced technology to track vessel movements days in advance, not just hours. Our secure, web-based platform gives members 24/7 access to real-time updates on vessel arrivals, shifts, and departures—empowering them to plan ahead and respond quickly to changes.
We also serve as a central communications hub, sharing critical updates on weather conditions, marine incidents, and other events—like the pandemic—that impact port operations. Our members include agents, pilots, tug companies, terminal operators, federal agencies, and many others who rely on our services to keep the port running smoothly.
Looking Ahead
As a non-profit organization and proud member of the Maritime Information Service of North America (MISNA), BME continues to lead efforts to enhance maritime domain awareness on both a local and national scale.
We remain “The Voice of the Chesapeake Bay”—and we are committed to being the trusted, cooperative partner that the Port of Baltimore depends on.