Sunderland Shipbuilding - British India

Restored reproduction of an original advert included in the 1950 edition of the "Port of Sunderland" Official Handbook issued jointly by the River Wear Commissioners and the Sunderland Corporation.  The book was printed and published by Thomas Reed & Company Limited of High Street West in Sunderland. 

Founded in 1856 as the Calcutta & Burmah Steam Navigation Co., BI became a global shipping powerhouse. Renamed in 1862, it carried mail, cargo, and passengers across the British Empire—from India to East Africa, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia.

By the 1920s, BI operated over 160 ships, including troopships and educational cruise liners. In 1914, it merged with P&O, retaining its identity until 1972, when it was fully absorbed.

BI ships like Nevasa, Uganda, and Dara became icons of maritime history. The company’s legacy lives on in archives and museums across the UK.

Printed on high quality 230gsm matt archival paper.