Founded in 1890 by contract between the imperial government (Ministério da Agricultura, Comércio e Obras Públicas) and private individuals, resulting from the merger of several subsidized shipping companies (Cia. Transatlântica de Navegação, Cia. Progresso Marítimo, Cia. Espírito Santo e Caravelas, Cia. Nacional de Navegação a Steamship, Cia. Brazileira de Navegação a Steamship).60 Initial objectives included unifying subsidized services, assisting maritime defense, and maintaining qualified personnel for the Navy in wartime.61 It started with 65 ships.60 It operated extensively in Brazilian coastal shipping (the entire coast and river basins) and established long-haul routes to the United States (New York, New Orleans) and Europe (North and Mediterranean), although long-haul shipping was dominated by foreigners before 1913.60 It faced chronic financial difficulties, leading to its nationalization in 1913, becoming property of the Union.60 During World War I, its fleet was significantly increased with the incorporation of 43 German ships interned in Brazilian ports, as well as ships from other national companies.60 In 1937, it was formally incorporated into national assets and subordinated to the Ministério da Viação e Obras Públicas, changing its name to Lloyd Brazileiro.61 It underwent several administrative restructurings and changes in ministerial subordination over the decades.61 In 1966, it was transformed into a mixed-economy company (Companhia de Navegação Lloyd Brazileiro).61 It continued to be one of Brazil's main shipping companies until its decline and eventual liquidation and privatization process, which began in the late 1980s and concluded with its formal extinction in 1998.60