China Navigation Company

Originally trading in American cotton and Australian wool, John Swire & Sons moved into the China trade as a result of the American Civil War. Forming an association with Alfred and Philip Holt, the Swire brothers became the initial subscribers of the Holts' Ocean Steam Ship Company and targeting the Yangtse trade, John Swire opened an office in Shanghai in 1867 with Richard Butterfield, a Lancashire mill owner. Seeing the potential for further growth of the business John Swire floated the China Navigation Company on the London stock exchange in 1872 with the backing of the Holts and John H. Scott of Scott & Co., Greenock, shipbuilders. Providing a chronological history of the China Navigation Company set against the history of China, the author goes on to cover the key events in the company's development and growth leading to the formation of the Swire Group. Details of the livery, a listing of routes covered, and a detailed fleet list are also provided.