These photographs cover a timespan from the 1860s onwards. Several large photographic collections have been donated or purchased over the years. The library of the National Maritime Museum is considered to comprise the largest collection of nautical books in the Nordic countries. At the moment its holdings are estimated at app. The collection consists mainly of Nordic shipping history in all its different forms.
New acquisitions take place all the time with priority being given to Swedish material.
Material from outside the Nordic countries is, of course, taken in when required. There is an important collection of periodical literature, particularly in the Swedish language, though foreign professional literature is also richly represented. The shipping lists in the library are regarded as the corner-stone of the collection. Lloyd's Register and the Swedish shipping list are both available in complete sets. The defensive shipping registers such as Jane's Fighting Ships etc. are also available.