South Africa Conference

The first South Africa Conference was formed in 1883 following increased steamship trading rivalry between European shipping lines operating in the area. Its main objective quickly became the regulation of member companies and the establishment of common freight tariffs. From 1886, the Conference granted a bonus ("deferred rebate") to member companies, thus providing a trading advantage for membership, and a common interest in improving standards. The major shipping lines that made up the conferences were: The Union Castle Mail Steamship Company Limited, The Clan Line Steamers Limited, Ellerman and Bucknall Steamships Company Limited, Ellerman and Hall Line, Bullard King and Company, Harrison Line, Huston Line, British India Line and the D.O.A. Line.