The history of this French shipping company can be traced back to the year 1851 when it operated as an overland mail service. In later years it won government mail contracts to neighbouring countries.
In 1871 it finally became to be known as Cie. Des Messageries Maritimes.
In 1881 it won a new contract to deliver mails to Australia and New Caledonia. As with most shipping company’s, winning a contract to deliver mail meant that they now had a subsidised route, which they of course took advantage of. Their passenger service was established at the same time.
The company prospered and grew until the outbreak of the first world war when many of its ships were taken over by the government for war duties. The company suffered many losses. It was not until 1920 that the company could re-continue its services to Australia.
In 1940 it once again found itself embroiled in war duties and again suffered huge losses. In 1946 it resumed again but in a much-depleted state. The company survived as a passenger shipping company well into the sixties.
Ref : North Star To Southern Cross by John Maber.
