The China Steam Navigation Co. was established in 1872 and is the largest navigation corporation in China. In the early years its navigation was limited to inland waters and coastal areas but gradually it was extended to ocean lines. In the late 1950's increased efforts were made for further development of the international traffic by the replacement of old vessels with new and larger ships.　　In commemoration of the efforts of the Company in the development of the navigation enterprise, a set of commemorative stamps was issued on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of its establishment. The subject of the stamp was the new freighter 〝Hai Min〞(11,000-ton capacity) marked 〝1957〞with the river vessel 〝Kiang Foo〞marked 〝1872〞as its background to indicate the advancement of the Company from inland water navigation to the ocean traffic during the period of 85 years.