The Borneo Company was an off-shoot of the firm of McEwen & Co. which was established in July 1857. The wharf at Telok Blangah was acquired a year earlier, in 1856. This elevated view was taken from the upper floor of an unidentified house on the west side of Keppel Road, which was situated opposite the wharf. As one looks eastwards over to the coalsheds, the Victoria and Albert Docks can be seen on the promontory in the background. Coaling stations became imperative in the age of steamship technology from the 1860s onwards.Well into the 20th century, Singapore was a major coaling and refitting station for steamships servicing the British Empire, most of which berthed at New Harbour (named Keppel Harbour in 1900) on their way to and from Europe.
