United KingdomFounded: 1847

Ocean Steam Navigation Company

Headquartered in London.

🏢 Corporate Intelligence

Ocean Steam Navigation Company (OSNC), established in 1847 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, pioneered transatlantic mail service as the first US government contract recipient for oceanic transportation. Operating as the Bremen Line with Prussian subsidies, the fleet debuted in June 1847 with the steamships Washington and Hermann, completing the first eastbound crossing on June 15. Both vessels were rebuilt in the early 1850s with improved propulsion but remained slower than Cunard. A brief 1855 upturn occurred during the Crimean War charter, yet intensified competition led OSNC to cease operations in July 1857. Additional historical significance is documented in Wikipedia.

Key Information

Company Name
Ocean Steam Navigation Company
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Headquarters
London
Founded
1847