De La Rama Steamship Company, Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipping, Maritime transport |
| Founded | 1930 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Isidro de la Rama family |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Key people | Benito H. Lopez (manager), Esteban de la Rama (shipping agent), Antonio Maria Bayot (Los Angeles representative), Luiz Francisco Meirelles (New York office), Sergio Osmeña Jr. (president post-WWII) |
| Products | Cargo shipping, Passenger liners (discontinued in 1960s) |
De La Rama Steamship Company, Inc. was established in 1930 in New York City by the Isidro de la Rama family to facilitate the export of sugar harvested from their large Philippine plantations. During World War II, the company played a vital role by acting as a blockade runner commissioned by the United States Army, delivering essential food supplies and ammunition to U.S. and Philippine troops following the Japanese occupation.
History
The family's involvement in maritime transport dates back to the 1800s with Hijos de la Rama, based in Talisay, Negros Occidental, which operated vessels and tugboats out of Iloilo City. After Isidro de la Rama passed away in 1897, his son Esteban de la Rama took over management. Esteban later served as a General in the Philippine army and as a senator. During World War I, the company supported American efforts by transporting critical materials such as abaca, copra, and coal.
In 1930, De La Rama Steamship Company was officially incorporated in Iloilo, appointing Benito H. Lopez as manager and Esteban as shipping agent. Antonio Maria Bayot represented the firm in Los Angeles, while Luiz Francisco Meirelles oversaw operations from the New York office. Following World War II, leadership transitioned to Sergio Osmeña Jr., who assumed the presidency.
The postwar period saw significant expansion through chartering three sizable vessels from the National Development Corporation and acquiring surplus military ships—including Type C1-B cargo vessels and coastal "FS" cargo ships—to broaden its fleet. Although passenger services commenced with four liners, this segment was discontinued in the 1960s due to airline competition; nevertheless, cargo shipping remained a primary focus.
This overview underscores De La Rama Steamship Company's influential role in maritime transportation, its dominance in sugar export logistics, and its strategic fleet growth and acquisitions that sustained its competitive edge internationally.
Sugar Train
One of the locomotives once utilized at the Hijos de la Rama facility is exhibited at Hacienda Hijos de La Rama in San Isidro, Negros, as well as at Star City Amusement Park located in Manila.
World War II
Throughout World War II, De La Rama Steamship Company adapted its operations to support wartime needs. Its vessels were chartered by the United States Shipping Board and operated Liberty and Victory ships under agreements with the Maritime Commission and War Shipping Administration. While company personnel manned the ships, Armed Guards from the U.S. Navy handled defense responsibilities, showcasing the company's pivotal role in wartime maritime logistics.
Ships
De La Rama Steamship Company maintained a varied fleet serving both trans-Pacific and regional routes that included:
- Passenger-cargo ships such as Don Esteban (constructed 1934, 5,011 tons) and Don Isidro (built 1939), which was lost under U.S. Army charter in 1942.
- Vessels built at European shipyards like Dona Aurora (1938) and Dona Nati (1939), both constructed by Cantieri Riuniti dell'Adriatico.
- The passenger liner Dona Aniceta (1940), which was later renamed before being scrapped in 1972.
- Chartered vessels from Sweden and Norway to enhance trans-Pacific trade routes.
- Converted ships including Moleno, a luxury liner launched in 1947 from a Bethlehem Steel hull dating back to 1928.
During the war years, the company operated multiple Liberty ships (for example, J. Frank Cooper and William Sproule) and Victory ships (such as Southwestern Victory and Norwich Victory), strengthening its position within wartime shipping markets. This extensive fleet diversity contributed significantly to De La Rama’s operational success and financial strength during this era.