Pacific Steam Navigation Company

Pacific Steam Navigation Company founded 1838, first ships in operation in 1840. The company operated along the Pacific coast of South America. In 1852 the company gained the royal mail contract for western South America. A direct route London to Sydney was established in 1877. In 1905 the company sold its London to Sydney route to the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, which bought the entire company in 1910. RMSP's name and routes were retained until Furness Withy bought Royal Mail in 1965.