Maritime Association of NY & NJ-150 Year Anniversary

February 5th, 1873 the telephone had not been invented and the typewriter and steam power were still in their infancy. Horse drawn vehicles were the only means of transportation and the methods used to transact business were laborious at best. The Port of New York was bustling with activity and filled with vessels of all types. Steamships, square riggers, barks, barkentines, and schooners filled the harbor’s docks and shores in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. Others were anchored in the harbor while some rode through the channels amongst the tugs, ferries, and scows. Already, the Port of New York had become one of the world’s busiest ports. And certainly, it was the most prominent port in America, housing the world’s most impressive ships and conducting a vast amount of business.

Mid-late 1880s - The packed docks of South Street Seaport on the East Side of Lower Manhattan. The newly completed Brooklyn Bridge is visible in the background. Photo credit: Unknown, available in the public domain.

Just like today, sailing vessels were the most important factor in ocean carrying trade. As the nation’s foremost shipping and commercial center, New York’s energy was high and growth was ensured. As maritime activity flourished, the need for the exchange of information increased. As a result, on February 5th 1873, the Maritime Association of New York was organized to acquire, preserve and disseminate valuable maritime related information to promote the maritime interests of the Port of New York.

Announcement of the Maritime Association formation, New York Times February 6th, 1873

The Association is committed to encouraging collaboration across all segments within the maritime industry. In the development of the organization we can confidently say that we have remained true to the principles which were declared 150 years ago - to serve the commercial maritime industry in the New York and New Jersey region and to act as an advocate to promote the safety of navigation, the security of maritime assets, the sustainability of the marine environment, and the competitiveness of port services.

To look back on the past 150 years of the Association and reflect on the numerous occasions the Association has advocated on behalf of the membership and the port is important, including when the Association's name was changed to include New Jersey, but it is still just as important to look forward to the future. The goal is not to advocate for MAPONYNJ’s own sake, but to deliver a continuous flow of value to members and achieve better business outcomes for the whole of the Port of NY & NJ. We will advocate for the membership and strive for a better and more efficient transportation system in the region. We will continue to produce business value by advancing and raising the profile of the regional maritime industry by leading and assisting with key developments in the port and provide venues for knowledge sharing.

150 years later, I have the pleasure of leading the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey and celebrating this momentous occasion! As noted by the President of the Maritime Association Charles H. Potter on February 5th, 1923 in the Historical Review that marked the 50th anniversary of the organization “No half century in the world’s history has been filled with such advancement in practically every field of endeavor, yet it is stated that these great developments, which seem so important and wonderful to us, are still in the stage of inception.….the possibilities before us seem almost limitless.”

I am thankful to our members and friends for their support of the Association. We are ready and invigorated to continue building upon the work in progress and future developments that will ensure our port's stature as the epicenter of shipping and trade worldwide continues advancing. We encourage any transportation related organization to join us in this monumental year by considering joining the Maritime Association while we embark on next century and a half.

Membership Services

Sincerely,

Stephen Lyman

Executive Director

Maritime Association of the Port of NY & NJ

Email | 212-425-5704 | nymaritime.org

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