History of steamship lines facts for kids

A shipping company is a business that owns and operates ships. These companies became very important as steamships were invented. Before steamships, people used 'packet ships' to carry goods and passengers. Groups like the Black Ball Line organized these trips. But they didn't always own the ships themselves. Steamships changed everything, making shipping companies a big deal.

How Shipping Companies Grew

Steamships first started sailing between British ports in 1815. They traveled between Liverpool and Glasgow. In 1826, a huge steamship called the United Kingdom was built. It carried goods and people between London and Edinburgh. Back then, before railways were common, coastal shipping was very important.

Many new companies started up. The City of Dublin Steam Packet Company began in 1823. The General Steam Navigation Company started in 1824. This company wanted to serve British waters and trade with Europe. Soon after, the St George Steam Navigation Company and the British and Irish Steam Packet Company followed. The St George company faced tough competition and didn't last. But it helped develop ocean travel a lot.

Some steamships had already crossed oceans. The Savannah sailed from the United States in 1819. The first Royal William sailed from Canada in 1833. People in big British ports like London, Liverpool, and Bristol saw the future. They knew ocean travel by steamship was the next big thing.

First Ocean Steamship Companies

Three companies started almost at the same time. The British and American Steam Navigation Company was based in London. The Atlantic Steamship Company was in Liverpool. The Great Western Steamship Company was in Bristol. Each company began building a wooden paddle steamer.

The first ship launched was the Great Western. It entered the water in Bristol on July 19, 1837. On October 14, the Liverpool was launched in its home port. In May 1838, the British Queen was launched in London. The Great Western was the first of these ships ready to sail.

Making Ships Better

Shipowners and builders always looked for ways to improve ships. Every ten years, older ships seemed outdated. The huge Great Eastern was built in the late 1850s. It was too far ahead of its time and not powerful enough. So, it's often not included in typical shipping history.

Key Changes Over Time

• 1850s: Iron screw propellers replaced wooden paddle wheels.
• Late 1860s: The compound engine was invented. This engine saved a lot of fuel. Steamships could now compete with sailing ships for carrying cargo on long trips.
• 1870s: Passenger comfort improved greatly. Ships got better cabins and covered walkways.

Modern Improvements

• Early 1880s: Steel began to replace iron for building ships.
• Late 1880s: Twin-screws were introduced. This meant ships had two propellers. If one broke down, the other could still work. This made sea travel much safer. It also allowed ships to have more separate compartments, adding to safety.
• New Ship Design: The tall masts on huge liners became less important for sails. They were used for cranes or just as signal poles. New 'boat decks' gave passengers more sheltered areas to walk. Navigators also had their own space away from passengers.
• 1890s: Special train-to-boat services started in Liverpool and Southampton. This made it easier for passengers to get on and off ships.

20th Century Innovations

• Early 1900s: The turbine engine was introduced. This engine also saved fuel and allowed for greater speed. It reduced vibration, making trips more comfortable.
• Safety at Sea: Submarine bell signaling helped ships avoid hitting land or other vessels. Wireless telegraphy (radio) ended the isolation of the sea. It also made travel safer. For example, when the Republic was sinking in 1909 after a collision, wireless radio helped call for help through the fog.

Special Ships

Tank steamers were built to carry oil in large amounts. Many of these ships could also burn oil instead of coal for fuel. Over many years, shipping companies have become very good at keeping passengers safe. The number of deaths at sea compared to the number of people carried became very low. It was much safer than in the 1870s.