THE PROPELLER CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES

PORT OF JACKSONVILLE

Chartered on Nov. 17, 1930, the Propeller Club of Jacksonville is one of the longest running, active clubs in the nation. With close to 200 members, our chapter enthusiastically advocates for the maritime industry in the Port of Jacksonville.

The International Propeller Club of the United States

The Propeller Club of Jacksonville is part of a much larger association of port clubs that comprise the International Propeller Club of the United States, an international business network dedicated to the promotion of commerce, global trade and the maritime industry. Propeller Club programs educate the public and elected officials about the importance and necessity of waterborne commerce.

A rich maritime history

From humble beginnings, the Propeller Club has grown to include more than 80 Ports in maritime locations around the world, including almost 30 in countries outside the U.S.

Conceived in 1922, the Propeller Club started as a small group of maritime professionals meeting informally each day over lunch to discuss industry issues. As the group became too large for casual conversation, speakers were invited to address the group.  The club continued to grow, and in January of 1923 the “Propeller Club of the Port of New York” was formed, with 33 members in attendance choosing the name and scheduling regular meetings.

News of the club spread to other port cities, and Propeller Clubs were formed in Boston, New Orleans, and at Yale University.  On Nov. 7, 1927, The Propeller Club of the United States as a national and international organization was formed, with individual member clubs designated as "Ports." Ports followed in Tampa, Seattle, Jacksonville and Miami.  The first overseas Propeller Club Port was formed in Hamburg, Germany, in 1932, by Americans engaged there in the maritime business.

Membership comprises a cross section of the maritime industry throughout the United States and in many cities overseas. The Propeller Club is particularly well equipped to promote, further and support the merchant marine. "Propeller" in the name refers to the propulsion of ships and is symbolic of the driving force required to communicate the need for an adequate, privately-owned merchant marine for both overseas and domestic commerce.

Today, the International Propeller Club of the United States is an international business network dedicated to the promotion of the maritime industry, commerce and global trade.