Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company

The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, commonly known as P&O, was a British shipping company founded in 1837. It initially operated passenger and cargo ships between Britain and the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), later expanding to routes across Africa, Asia, and Australia. P&O became one of the world’s leading cruise and shipping firms, known for reliable maritime trade and passenger services. It played a significant role in developing global transportation networks during the 19th and early 20th centuries, eventually becoming part of larger maritime conglomerates.