"HC" prefix to ship name ?

[jcmac]

In two foreign newspaper items dated 1833 and 1841 I have come across reference to ships described as "HC steamship ....." ; "HC steamer ........" ; "HC ships ....." which appear to be operating in the Indo-China area.
I am stumped !!! Can anyone explain what "HC" signified ?
jcmac.

[Flouncylicious]

Hull Classification is the only term I can think of.

[Flattybasher9]

"Honourable Company", relating to the Honourable East India Company Service. You will also see the letters HCS prior to ship names, such as the "HCS General Coote", "HCS Alnwick Castle", "HCS Walmer Castle" etc.

Regards

Malky

[jcmac]

Hi Malky,
That makes a lot of sense in the context of the reports. My instinct was along that line but my brain was scrambled and no amount of Goo....ing gave me a clue.
Many thanks,
jcmac.

[mahalia]

Those built for Royal Service have the letters H.M.S. after them; those for the Hon. Company, whether Naval or Mercantile Service, H.C.S. the remainder being either private merchant ships or uncertain. All the vessels built for the Bombay Marine have the name of 'Bombay' added to them, the last of which was a frigate launched in 1793.  In 1805 it was handed over to the Royal Navy, with the 'Cornwallis', fifty-six guns, the ships being re-named respectively the 'Ceylon' and 'Akbar'.

Cheers

Maureen

The Scribbly Bark Poet