Ocean Steam Navigation Company

Bremen Line

House flag
Industry	Shipping
Founded	1847 in New York City, United States
Founder	Edward Mills
Defunct	July 1857
Headquarters	New York City , United States

The Ocean Steam Navigation Company (OSNC), also recognized as the Bremen Line, was established in 1847 in New York City by entrepreneur Edward Mills. It was the pioneer American firm to secure a government contract for transoceanic mail delivery. Additionally, the enterprise received partial financial backing from the Prussian government to enhance commerce between the United States and the port of Bremen, which influenced its alternative designation as the Bremen Line. Service commenced in June 1847 with the steamship Washington, soon accompanied by its counterpart, Hermann.

Despite this, both vessels operated at speeds inferior to those of the Cunard Line, resulting in OSNC losing its US mail contract by late 1847, which was subsequently granted to the Collins Line. Persistent mechanical difficulties affected both ships. After transferring ownership to investors but retaining managerial duties, Mills endeavored to launch a competing line; this led to his removal from OSNC. In the early 1850s, the ships underwent reconstruction with upgraded propulsion systems but still failed to match competitors’ speed.

A temporary improvement in business occurred in 1855 when Cunard vessels were leased for service during the Crimean War, yet competition escalated again in 1856 as Cunard resumed normal operations and German companies such as Hamburg America Line and Norddeutscher Lloyd began transatlantic voyages from German ports. OSNC terminated its activities in July 1857 following the loss of its last US mail contract for routes to Germany.