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Founded in 1848 in the coastal village of Hvitsten, Norway, Fred. Olsen & Co. was established by three pioneering brothers — Petter, Andreas, and Thomas Fredrik “Fred.” Olsen. What began as a family-run shipping venture quickly grew into a globally recognised maritime enterprise. The company’s legacy in logistics and freight spans nearly two centuries, with a deep and historic connection to the United Kingdom, particularly through its operations in London's Docklands and later at Felixstowe.
In the 20th century, Fred. Olsen Lines became a prominent operator in the UK, offering both passenger and freight services between Britain and destinations across Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands.
A central hub for these operations was the Millwall Docks on the Isle of Dogs in East London. This vital part of London’s historic port infrastructure was home to a dedicated Fred. Olsen terminal, which served as a gateway for goods and people travelling across Northern and Southern Europe.
Offering services to and from:
Fred. Olsen adapted early to the rise of containerisation, modernising its fleet and cargo-handling methods. However, the physical constraints of Millwall Docks — particularly their inability to accommodate the ever-larger container ships of the era — eventually made continued operations there unsustainable.
Since 1947, the city of Oslo has gifted a magnificent Norwegian spruce to the people of Britain each year — a gesture of thanks for British support during World War II, including the shelter offered to King Haakon VII and the Norwegian government in exile.
For many years, Fred. Olsen Lines played a key role in this cherished tradition by transporting the tree from Oslo to London, helping ensure its safe delivery to Trafalgar Square, where it remains a beloved symbol of friendship between the two nations.
Few know that, Fred. Olsen Lines also inspired the name of one of London’s most famous districts: Canary Wharf.
The name originated from Berth 32 at West Wood Quay, part of the Millwall Docks complex. In the early 20th century, this quay was used by Fred. Olsen for its fruit cargo services between London and the Canary Islands — primarily transporting bananas and tomatoes. Over time, it became known informally as “Canary Wharf,” a name that would later be adopted for the modern financial district that rose from the redeveloped docklands in the 1980s.
As London's docks declined, Millwall Docks officially closed in 1980, prompting Fred. Olsen to relocate its freight operations to more modern facilities. The company found a new strategic base at the Port of Felixstowe, which had emerged as the UK’s largest and most advanced container port.
This move ensured Fred. Olsen could continue to thrive in the evolving logistics landscape. From Felixstowe, the company maintained robust containerised freight services, leveraging decades of experience and innovation.
Today, Fred. Olsen Logistics continues to build on its rich heritage with a focus on intermodal freight solutions, efficient supply chain management, and modern logistics practices.
While the passenger and cruise divisions have diversified or shifted focus, the cargo business remains at the heart of the Fred. Olsen name — proudly carrying forward the values of innovation, reliability, and global connection established over 175 years ago.
Our team of dedicated professionals working in the shipping industry are working to insure that clients needs and expectations are met and exceeded.
