Re First container ship

by Alan Maggs
(Melbourne Australia)

Hi,

The first company to have a large number of containers to handle freight was not the owners of the tanker.

The cargo container (box) was alive and well and utilised by the firm of William Holyman and Co., whose ships traded between Melbourne Victoria and various Tasmanian ports. This innovation was in full swing by 1950.

I have a massive photographic library and have several photos of containers used by road/rail sea out of Chicago in the early 1920's
Although nothing like today's containers the first 100% containerisation of which i am aware occurred in Tasmania in the 1920's limestone was carried by rail to a loading jetty. There the tubs carried by rail were loaded onto a ship and carried to the port of Risdon for discharge.

Many thanks for a most professional and interesting site.

Regards,
Alan