Our history

The foundations of Bibby Line Group date back to 1807

Bibby Marine is part of Bibby Line Group, a diverse global business, operating in 12 countries, employing people in financial services, marine and construction equipment hire.

The foundations of Bibby Line Group date back to 1807 when John Bibby began trading as a shipowner in Liverpool. We are one of the UK’s oldest family-owned businesses, with more than 200 years’ experience of providing personal, responsible and flexible customer solutions.

Our 200+ year history of anticipating and meeting customer needs is both our foundation for success, and the inspiration that teaches us to always be looking and thinking ahead. The past has shown us that strong values and a willingness to learn, innovate and adapt will always ensure our future in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Our history in pictures

Since 1807

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At a time when Napoleon was wreaking havoc in Europe, John Bibby begins trading as a shipowner in Liverpool with his partner John Highfield.
Having grown the Bibby fleet to a total of 18 ships, John moves the business forward on his own.
The Bibby Steam Ship company is established with the Lancashire recording the best time for the run to Burma in 23 days and 20 hours in 1891 gaining a growing reputation for reliability.
Bibby Line adds more passenger routes, including passages to exotic locations like Burma, Ceylon and India. Trade Unions vote it ‘the ideal type of employer’.
During WWI Bibby Line ships step up, transporting over 225,000 Allied troops. In WWll, with Sir Harold Bibby in charge of the company, four of our vessels support the war effort including carrying over 10,000 men during D-day.
With Sir Derek Bibby now at the helm, the company more than trebles its overseas earnings, with the total tonnage of Bibby Line in the 1970s exceeding one million tons.
Bibby Marine launched the innovative Bibby WaveMaster 1 in 2017 - a pioneering walk-to-work Service Operation Vessel, followed by Bibby WaveMaster Horizon in 2019.
Continuing our historical pioneering spirit, we are building the most advanced, efficient and environmentally friendly SOV on the market – the electric-Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV).

Our history in pictures

Since 1807

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At a time when Napoleon was wreaking havoc in Europe, John Bibby begins trading as a shipowner in Liverpool with his partner John Highfield.
Having grown the Bibby fleet to a total of 18 ships, John moves the business forward on his own.
The Bibby Steam Ship company is established with the Lancashire recording the best time for the run to Burma in 23 days and 20 hours in 1891 gaining a growing reputation for reliability.
Bibby Line adds more passenger routes, including passages to exotic locations like Burma, Ceylon and India. Trade Unions vote it ‘the ideal type of employer’.
During WWI Bibby Line ships step up, transporting over 225,000 Allied troops. In WWll, with Sir Harold Bibby in charge of the company, four of our vessels support the war effort including carrying over 10,000 men during D-day.
With Sir Derek Bibby now at the helm, the company more than trebles its overseas earnings, with the total tonnage of Bibby Line in the 1970s exceeding one million tons.
Bibby Marine launched the innovative Bibby WaveMaster 1 in 2017 - a pioneering walk-to-work Service Operation Vessel, followed by Bibby WaveMaster Horizon in 2019.
Continuing our historical pioneering spirit, we are building the most advanced, efficient and environmentally friendly SOV on the market – the electric-Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV).

A diverse
group

Guided by our shared values, we are custodians of the family business for future generations, creating a diverse Group of innovative companies that develop colleagues, delight customers and give back to communities.

Our Group shared values are the thread that connects our businesses together, helping us to deliver excellent customer service. 

Work together

We understand the common long-term goals across our businesses, customers, suppliers and people and we work towards them as a team.

Be better

We challenge ourselves to be the best, finding new ways to improve everything we do today.

Be innovative

We do everything possible to look ahead, to anticipate customer needs and deliver innovative solutions.

Do the right thing

At all times we do the right thing, providing a quality and safe service, acting responsibly for our people, customers and the communities in which we work.

Trust each other

We trust and empower our people to deliver the right outcomes for our customers and our business.

From industry leaders to global institutions

Our Group shared values are the thread that connects our businesses together

With decades of dedicated service in the maritime industry, Bibby Marine has built a legacy of success.

Both our office and on-board teams will provide the necessary support you require at every stage of the contract so you can deliver your project in the best way possible without stress.