Ben Line Agencies facts for kids
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| private | |
| Industry | Shipping Agents |
| Founded | 1992 to present |
| Headquarters |
Singapore
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Area served
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Asia |
| Services | Liner Agency, Port Agency, Offshore Support, Project Logistics, Ship Broking |
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Number of employees
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2,000 |
| private | |
| Industry | Shipping |
| Founded | 1825 |
| Defunct | c1991 |
| Headquarters | , |
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Area served
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Italy, Canada, Asia, the Baltic |
The Ben Line, also known as Ben Line Steamers, Limited, was a Scottish shipping company. It started in 1825 in Leith, Scotland. The company mainly transported goods between the Far East and Europe. It was a private business, mostly owned by the Thomson and Mitchell families.
In 1991, the company sold all its ships. It then became Ben Line Agencies, a shipping agency based in Singapore. Today, Ben Line Agencies works across Asia. As of 2013, it had over 110 offices and 2,000 employees. They offer services like helping ships in port, managing shipping lines, supporting offshore projects, and handling large cargo.
Contents
The Ben Line: A Journey Through Time
Starting the Shipping Business
The company began in 1825. Two brothers, William and Alexander Thomson, started it as ship-brokers. They first imported Carrara marble from Italy. Their first ship, the Carrara, was used for this in 1839.
Later, they bought the ship Australia in 1840. This ship carried coal from Scotland to Canada. It returned with timber to Leith. This route became a big part of their business for many years.
Expanding to New Horizons
In the 1850s, the Thomson and Mitchell families started shipping to Australia and the Far East. These routes were longer and more profitable. By the 1860s, they had nine sailing ships.
Their ships sailed to China and Japan, often stopping in Singapore. They were also involved in the China tea trade. Their first steamship, Benledi, was built in Glasgow.
Shipping During Wartime
World War I (1914-1919)
By 1914, Ben Line had 14 ships with "Ben" in their names. During World War I, two of their ships were sunk. Another ship, Benlarig, disappeared in 1917.
In 1919, The Ben Line Steamers, Ltd. became a private company. They started a new trade, carrying soya beans from Russia to Europe. Even during tough economic times, no Ben Line ship was left unused.
World War II
World War II was even harder for Ben Line. They lost 14 of their own ships. They also managed four government ships, which were also lost. Some of these were special ships called MAC (Merchant Aircraft Carrier) ships. These ships could carry both cargo and Fairey Swordfish biplanes. In 1943, the company moved its main office to Edinburgh.
After the war, the company focused on trade with the Far East. They set up a base in Singapore in 1951. In 1953, an underwater area near North Borneo was named "Benrinnes Reef." This was after a Ben Line ship discovered it.
Growth and New Ventures (1950-1974)
Between 1950 and 1972, Ben Line grew its shipping services. They used fast, specially built ships to carry goods between Europe and the Far East. They were leaders in creating new trade routes.
In 1972, Ben Line Ship Management Ltd was created. This company helped other smaller ship owners. They shared their many years of shipping knowledge.
Entering the Container Age
In 1973, Ben Line got its first three container ships. These huge ships could carry 3,000 containers each. They joined a group of companies called the Trio Group. This group included companies from three nations. They all worked together on the Far East trade routes.
The company also started carrying bulk goods and chemicals. In 1974, Ben Line also got into offshore oil exploration. They partnered with an American company to form Ben Odeco. This new company owned and operated oil rigs and drill ships.
Later Years and Transformation (1977-1991)
By 1977, The Ben Line Group had over 2,000 employees. They owned a large fleet of ships and oil rigs. They also managed ships for other owners. They even became Britain's biggest offshore drilling company.
In 1984, the Benreoch made history. It was the heaviest semi-submersible drilling rig ever moved by another ship. It traveled 14,000 miles from New Zealand to Spain.
In 1987, Ben Line Agencies was created. This was a new part of the company. It focused on helping other shipping companies. In 1991, Ben Line sold its remaining ships. The company then joined with the East Asiatic Company.
Ben Line Agencies: The Company Today (1992 Onward)
After selling its ships and rigs, Ben Line focused on Ben Line Agencies. This company is owned by its main leaders and some descendants of the original founders.
In the early years, Ben Line Agencies had offices in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Their main job was managing shipping lines.
Over the next ten years, the company added many more services. These included helping ships in port, managing large projects, and supporting offshore work. They also helped with international freight and container leasing. In 2011, Ben Line Agencies opened its 100th office.
Related Companies
- William Thomson and Company
- Atlantis Air Ltd
- E.G. Thomson (Shipping) Ltd
- Elswick Steam Shipping Co. Ltd
- Salmonier Shipping Co. Ltd
- The Petrograd Steamers, Ltd
- Ben Line Containers Ltd (1970)
- Ben Ocean & Ben Asia Container Service (1975)
- Ben Odeco (1974, offshore drilling partnership)
- Sheaf Steam Shipping of Newcastle (acquired 1976)
- Atlantic Drilling Company Ltd
