Lamport and Holt

Lamport and Holt, a historic UK merchant shipping line founded in 1845 and headquartered in London (formerly Liverpool until 1975), operated for over 145 years before ceasing in 1991. Initially independent, it became a limited company in 1911 under Royal Mail Steam Packet Company (RMSP), later restructured as Royal Mail Lines in 1932 after RMSP's collapse. Acquired by Vestey Group in 1944, it merged with Blue Star Line in 1991. The company dominated East Coast South American trade, operating liner services to New York, Britain, and Europe, alongside passenger ocean liners (1902–1928) and cruise ships (1932–1939). Lamport and Holt supported UK government operations in the Crimean War, both World Wars, and Falklands Conflict, losing vessels and personnel to enemy action. Notably, it was the sole shipping firm granted permission to fly Liverpool’s civic flag in 1932. Key subsidiaries included ties to Booth Line and Blue Funnel Line, founded by family-linked partners. Wikimedia↗ | Wikipedia↗