Bermuda Container Line has have been in existence.

In October, 1957, the first vessel to be named the MV Oleander completed its 100th voyage from New York and back to Bermuda.

The Royal Gazette carried a short story in its issue of Friday, October 4, 1957, anticipating the 100th voyage.

The unattributed article read as follows: "The little motor vessel Oleander sails for New York today. When she returns in two weeks, she will be making her 100th trip.

The only celebration planned so far is a sightseeing tour for the crew on Sunday, October 13, the day she is due to arrive.

Built in Holland in 1953, the Oleander came to Bermuda in early 1954 and has not returned to her homeland since. She was built by her owners, Vinke & Company, for the New York-Bermuda run, which she sails under the Isbrandtsen colours.

The 905-ton freighter took on her first cargo at Rotterdam and Bremen, and then, making a quick passage, arrived here on January 6, 1954. She was the first vessel to dock in Hamilton in 1956, and in 1957.

Among the Oleander's cargoes have been television sets, motor cruisers, the first Pepsi-Cola syrup shipment out of Bermuda, the first American beer to come to Bermuda -- and the Lions Club circus.

The Oleander has been `blooded' in one hurricane -- Ione -- which foxed the weather forecasters and made a sharp turn eastward instead of heading north.

The Oleander is 228 feet long and is powered by an 860-horsepower diesel engine. Her cruising speed is 12 knots.'' Name to remember: Crew of the first Oleander celebrate the ship's 100th voyage from the US to Bermuda in 1957 (above). Below, the 228-foot long Dutch-registered ship lies in port in Bermuda. The ship, owned by Vinke & Company and sailing under the Isbrandtsen colours, started sailing between Bermuda and the US in 1954. The all-purpose freighter carried a wide range of cargo to the Island in the days before containers and was "blooded'' in one hurricane -- Ione.

MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP