Blue Star Line was formed as an initiative by the Liverpool-based butchers Vestey Brothers. They chartered their first ships from 1904, and began to buy their own ships from 1909 onwards. The Blue Star Line was officially inaugurated on 28th July 1911 and operated until 1998. They were one of the much loved British fleets of the 20th century.

The 11,994grt Wellington Star, seen here in Southampton Water in 1972, was built in 1952 by John Brown at Clydebank. In 1975 she was sold to Broad Bay Shipping, converted into a livestock carrier and renamed Hawkes Bay. On 9th August 1979 she arrived at Kaohsiung to be broken up by Nan Kwang Iron & Steel. © PhotoTransport

The 11,300grt New Zealnd Star at Avonmouth in 1968. She was built in 1967 by Bremer Vulkan at Vegesack. In 1977 she was renamed Wellington Star, and on 19th August 1993 she arrived at Chittagong to be broken up by United Maritime Agency.

Roman Star, Queensland Star and Wellington Star photos courtesy of Don Smith/phototransport.com