[3] Stock for the business had to be brought in by ship, and Christopher found that it would be cheaper to use their own vessels, rather than hire other peoples.

Consequently, on his initiative, the firm bought several steam ships from local shipbuilder William Gray & Company in 1877.

Alexander Stephen and Sons of Linthouse, Glasgow launched Emerald in October 1902[7] and completed her in April 1903.

[9] Furness was also involved in politics, and was elected Member of Parliament for The Hartlepools at a by-election in 1891.

[10] He was appointed a knight bachelor in the 1895 Birthday Honours, and in 1910 he was raised to the peerage as Baron Furness, of Grantley in the West Riding of the County of Yorkshire.