Ocean (1794 ship)

The Ocean was a three-deck merchant vessel built in 1794. Primarily employed in trade between England and the East Indies, specifically with the British East India Company (EIC), the Ocean is notable for its participation in several significant historical events.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the Ocean was chartered by the Royal Navy and temporarily served as a troop transport and storeship. This highlights the common practice of the British government utilizing civilian merchant vessels to support military operations during times of conflict.

The Ocean is also known for its involvement in transporting convicts to the penal colony of New South Wales, Australia. It undertook several voyages transporting convicts, playing a role in the expansion of British settlement and the penal system. Records exist documenting the arrival of convicts carried by the Ocean in the early 19th century. Details of these voyages, including the number of convicts transported, mortality rates during the journey, and the names of the ships' masters, can be found in historical archives and maritime records.

After its service transporting convicts, the Ocean returned to merchant service, resuming its trade activities until its eventual decommissioning or loss. Precise details regarding its final fate remain somewhat fragmented, but available records suggest its service life spanned several decades, contributing significantly to maritime trade and colonial expansion during a pivotal period in history.