The Union Company, Union Steam Ship Company (USS Co), or Union Line was started in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1875, when it was floated by James Mills, who had been clerk to Johnny Jones and his Harbour Steam Company.
After Jones’ death, Mills floated the Union Company with backing from Peter Denny in return for orders for his Dumbarton shipyard in Scotland. The Union Company became a major shipping line, with a near-monopoly on trans-Tasman shipping, and was referred to as the Southern Octopus. Mark Twain attacked the travel conditions on a Union Company ship in his travel book Following the Equator (1897).
The Union Company was sold by Mills to the British P&O Line in 1917. Mills, who was born in Wellington, was knighted in 1907 and K.C.M.G. in 1909. He was a UK resident from 1907, and died in London.
By 1990, the company operated 7 ships, and was involved in ship management, tourism, real estate and other ventures. By 2000, the Union Bulk barge made its last voyage.
The Union Company, Union Steam Ship Company, or Union Line has owned more than 350 ships, and has been the subject of a number of books.
For the airline subsidiary, see Union Airways of N.Z. Ltd.
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