aerial photography of tanker ship

About Us

Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand Limited was established in 1875 by Sir James Mills in Dunedin, the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand Limited (USSCo) grew into the largest private-sector employer in New Zealand, dominating coastal and trans‑Tasman trade for over a century . Known affectionately as the “Southern Octopus,” USSCo led innovation in passenger and freight shipping across the Pacific, introducing modern steel steamers, mail liners to Vancouver and San Francisco, and pioneering containerized trade in Australia and New Zealand Waikouaiti Coast Heritage .

Today, as an envisioned revival of this iconic maritime heritage, our modern USSCo is seeking forward‑thinking individuals to build the next chapter in sustainable sea‑based logistics, passenger ferry services, and heritage tourism.

Our Rich Maritime Heritage

Discover the legacy of Union Steam Ship Company, a pioneer in New Zealand's maritime history since 1875, connecting communities across coastal and trans-Tasman routes.

A ferry sails across a calm body of water with a misty hillside in the background. The ferry displays a flag at the stern and is transporting numerous passengers whose seats are covered with red cushions. Small houses dot the hillside under foggy clouds.
A ferry sails across a calm body of water with a misty hillside in the background. The ferry displays a flag at the stern and is transporting numerous passengers whose seats are covered with red cushions. Small houses dot the hillside under foggy clouds.

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Cultural Icons

Established 1875

Company History

Founded in 1875, the company grew through strategic acquisitions.

A ferry labeled 'coloniaexpress' moves across a calm body of water under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there is a rocky shore with patches of green vegetation.
A ferry labeled 'coloniaexpress' moves across a calm body of water under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there is a rocky shore with patches of green vegetation.
Cultural Icons

Vessels like Maori and Wahine became symbols of New Zealand.

A modern ferry with a sleek design is cruising on calm blue water. The vessel is painted in shades of blue and white, with a yellow stripe near the waterline. The architecture of the ferry suggests a focus on functionality and passenger capacity. In the background, there is a glimpse of an industrial area with containers and machinery.
A modern ferry with a sleek design is cruising on calm blue water. The vessel is painted in shades of blue and white, with a yellow stripe near the waterline. The architecture of the ferry suggests a focus on functionality and passenger capacity. In the background, there is a glimpse of an industrial area with containers and machinery.
Trans-Tasman Service

Evolved from 2,000-ton ships to larger turbine-powered vessels like Maheno.

A modern ferry is cruising through a wide expanse of water, with a backdrop of industrial buildings and cranes. On the horizon, densely forested hills and distant mountains create a layered landscape. A large cargo ship can be seen near the shoreline, adding a juxtaposition of nature and industry to the scene.
A modern ferry is cruising through a wide expanse of water, with a backdrop of industrial buildings and cranes. On the horizon, densely forested hills and distant mountains create a layered landscape. A large cargo ship can be seen near the shoreline, adding a juxtaposition of nature and industry to the scene.

Heritage

Discover our storied past of innovation and maritime excellence.

A large ferry with a bright yellow and white exterior is docked at a harbor. The ferry bears the name Transmanche Ferries, and there is a rocky shoreline with buildings atop the cliffs. The sky is filled with gray clouds, and the water reflects the colors of the ferry.
A large ferry with a bright yellow and white exterior is docked at a harbor. The ferry bears the name Transmanche Ferries, and there is a rocky shoreline with buildings atop the cliffs. The sky is filled with gray clouds, and the water reflects the colors of the ferry.
A ferry with a white hull and red accents sails on a body of water near an urban shoreline. The vessel is adorned with lifebuoys along its sides and features upper deck seating. The water appears choppy, and the background includes a mix of industrial and residential buildings, along with greenery and a small dock with a car.
A ferry with a white hull and red accents sails on a body of water near an urban shoreline. The vessel is adorned with lifebuoys along its sides and features upper deck seating. The water appears choppy, and the background includes a mix of industrial and residential buildings, along with greenery and a small dock with a car.
A ferry boat sails across a sunlit sea with reflection sparkles scattered on the water. The vessel is prominently marked with the name 'Tamar Belle St Mawes Ferry' and carries a few passengers. The sky is partly cloudy and the overall scene conveys a sense of tranquility.
A ferry boat sails across a sunlit sea with reflection sparkles scattered on the water. The vessel is prominently marked with the name 'Tamar Belle St Mawes Ferry' and carries a few passengers. The sky is partly cloudy and the overall scene conveys a sense of tranquility.
A large white ferry with multiple decks travels across a vast body of water. The vessel is adorned with a Union Jack flag and has several people onboard who are enjoying the view. The background features a densely wooded, darkened hillside, providing a striking contrast to the bright, reflective surface of the water.
A large white ferry with multiple decks travels across a vast body of water. The vessel is adorned with a Union Jack flag and has several people onboard who are enjoying the view. The background features a densely wooded, darkened hillside, providing a striking contrast to the bright, reflective surface of the water.
A large passenger ferry is seen from the front, moving through calm waters towards the viewer. The ship is predominantly white with blue accents, and has detailed deck structures, antennas, and railings visible on top. In the background, a rocky coastline under a partly cloudy sky provides a natural setting for the scene.
A large passenger ferry is seen from the front, moving through calm waters towards the viewer. The ship is predominantly white with blue accents, and has detailed deck structures, antennas, and railings visible on top. In the background, a rocky coastline under a partly cloudy sky provides a natural setting for the scene.
Heritage

Connecting New Zealand with iconic ferry services.

Contact us

Growth

info@unionsteamship.org

+ 64 9 9779943

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