Once were Kings

摘要

King Line could be considered one of the aristocrats of the tramp trade. It was founded by one of the most influential, if controversial, men in 20th century shipping, and it ended its days as an adjunct to some of the most successful British cargo lines. Tramp shipping was the obvious entry point for any aspiring ship owner, as there was nearly always demand for carrying coal outwards from Cardiff or Newcastle and bringing home grain from the Black Sea or South America. Financing the first ship would always be tricky, but if successful in obtaining charters, the entrepreneur's growing reputation would quickly ensure that further flotations were well-subscribed.