The development of steamship companies of the Russian Empire is being described. It is noted that the pre-revolutionary period of development of the Russian state helped to create not only large shipping companies, but a significant number of small ones, as well as private owners, such as the Russian steamship line"Riurik". The process of its formation is shown, problems and difficulties are identified. The conclusion says that the First World war interrupted the development of the merchant fleet of the Russian state.