For nearly 160 years, the Baltic Exchange and the wider shipping community have supported the RNLI and the volunteers who put to sea in some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable.
That remarkable relationship is about to enter a new chapter with the arrival of the Baltic Exchange IV, a new Shannon class lifeboat currently under construction at the RNLI’s headquarters in Poole.
The lifeboat is expected to be completed in January 2027, after which it will undergo sea trials before going on station at Salcombe later in the year. It will replace the Baltic Exchange III, which has launched more than 300 times during its 18 years of service and has helped to rescue more than 500 people.
To support the £1.25 million appeal for the naming rights to the new lifeboat, members of the Baltic Exchange and the Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation are holding a special shipping industry Gala Dinner on:
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Royal Thames Yacht Club
60 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LF
The evening will begin with a Champagne reception, followed by dinner, an auction and a raffle. Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive of the RNLI, will attend, together with members of the Salcombe lifeboat crew.
The Baltic Exchange is generously meeting the cost of the reception and dinner, which means that the full £1,500 contribution for every guest can go directly to the Baltic Exchange IV fund.
A limited number of individual places and one table remain available.
The Baltic Exchange’s association with the RNLI began in 1868, when it funded the Mark Lane lifeboat. The first lifeboat to carry the Baltic Exchange name went on station at Salcombe in 1962 and served for 26 years, launching 258 times and saving 76 lives.
Its successor, Baltic Exchange II, launched 478 times between 1988 and 2008, rescuing 530 people and saving 135 lives. The present Baltic Exchange III continued that proud record when it arrived at Salcombe in 2008.
The new Baltic Exchange IV will be a Shannon class lifeboat, equipped with waterjet propulsion. Its shallow draught and exceptional manoeuvrability will be especially valuable when operating across the notoriously difficult Salcombe Bar, as well as during offshore and coastal rescues.
The appeal has so far raised £250,000 towards its £1.25 million target. The Gala Dinner offers the maritime community an opportunity to come together for a memorable evening while supporting the RNLI volunteers whose courage and commitment help to protect lives at sea.
To reserve an individual place or discuss taking a table, please contact Mike Robson:
Email: [email protected]
Mobile/WhatsApp: +44 (0)7867 389425
Those unable to attend can also support the appeal through its JustGiving page.