[4] Birnie sent consignments of goods to South America and Britain's Australian colonies.
He imported wool, whale oil and other commodities from the colonies in his own and other vessels.
His extensive dealings with Australia saw him become the London agent for Sydney merchant Robert Campbell, the Rev Samuel Marsden and the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie.
James went to Australia in 1812 and established himself in Sydney where he acted as the local agent for Birnie & Co.[6] Alexander's son George Birnie (1786-1863) joined the partnership and was sent to Prince Edward Island, Canada, as the firm's agent there between 1809 and 1813.
[8] These vessels often took passengers and cargo to ports in the southern hemisphere before engaging in sealing and whaling.