The company started life in 1824 as the Liverpool and Belfast Steam Packet Company.[1] operated by Langtry & Herdman. They began a steam ship service from Belfast to Liverpool.[2]
About 1830 the Dublin Steam Packet Company began a weekly service in competition.[citation needed]
On 31 January 1852 the Liverpool and Belfast Steam Packet Company was registered as The Belfast Steamship Company Ltd.[citation needed]
In 1859, it expanded and absorbed the Cork Steamship Company and in 1866 it absorbed the Londonderry Steamboat Company.[citation needed]
It was absorbed into Coast Lines in 1919 as a subsidiary company, which was subsequently absorbed into P&O Ferries in 1975.[citation needed]
