Oceanic Steamship Company
Brochure showing its transpacific route (1889) | |
| Industry | Shipping, transportation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1881 |
| Defunct | 1926 |
| Successor | Matson, Inc. |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Area served | transpacific (fleet) |
Key people | John D. Spreckels |
| Parent | Wm. G. Irwin and Co. Ltd. |
The Oceanic Steamship Company was an American shipping company established in 1881. It was founded by John D. Spreckels and the Spreckels family as a key transportation network from San Francisco to Honolulu, then part of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The company was a subsidiary of the Wm. G. Irwin and Co. Ltd. holding company that was established by Claus Spreckels. Oceanic is cited as an early example of the shipping link in the vertical integration strategy pioneered by Claus Spreckels in the sugar industry.
The Spreckels family first began shipping raw sugar and other goods from their plantations in Hawaii using sailing ships, but soon recognized the benefits of steamships. With the help of shipbuilders Matthew Turner and William Cramp & Sons, the company built a new fleet and diversified to include freight, mail service and passengers. They became an early key player in the development of tourism to Hawaii and Oceania. By the 1890s, Oceanic was known for its quick and dependable service and comfortable accommodations. Matson purchased the company in 1926 and continued to use the Oceanic name throughout the 20th century.