The Company was comprised of: (1) Shaw, Savill & Co., London formed in 1858; (2) Albion Line, Glasgow in 1856; (3) John Leslie & Partners, Aberdeen.

Shaw, Savill & Albion Line formed in 1882, but Shaw, Savill & Co retained five sailing ships, which they operated as a separate company and John Leslie & Partners ran their ships in with this fleet.

Shaw Savill & Albion ran a joint service to New Zealand with White Star Line from 1884 to 1933 when the collapse of the White Star Line enabled the service to be taken over by Shaw Savill & Albion. 1928 Commonwealth Line taken over and renamed Aberdeen & Commonwealth Line. 1933 Aberdeen Line taken over. 1933 Control of Shaw Savill & Albion acquired by Furness, Withy & Co. In 1985 Shaw Savill & Albion became an integral part of Furness Withy Shipping and ceased as an independent company.

Thus the Shaw Savill & Albion became another well known British shipping company to disappear due to mergers and consolidation in the shipping industry and globalisation. It is truly the end of a glorious era.