Company growth and development

The starting line Ships have not always been owned by shipping companies. Learn how the needs of trade, government regulation, and the risks of the business meant that shipping companies became the major players in the shipping industry.

What a shipping company does During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shipping companies became big businesses, dominating the shipping industry. They determined what ships looked like. They decided what shipyards could build. They employed most seafarers and set their wages. They set schedules and rates for cargo and passengers. In many cases their titles became household names.

Lines of development Some shipping companies operate regular `liner` services, others run `tramps`; many specialise in one trade or type of ship. Learn about the variety of companies and their various businesses.

A precarious business: surviving as a shipowner Shipping is a very risk business. Discover some of the threats to a successful shipowning business, and what can be done about them.

Recognisable lines: shipping company identity As they grew in importance, shipping lines wanted to stamp their identity on their ships. For instance, they gave their ships names in a series. Find out how the names of their ships and their colours helped to brand the company.