The "Cheribon" was ordered built by the Compagnie Nationale de Navigation. The company was founded in 1879 at Marseilles, and given a 25 year charter, with the French government, to operate. The company voluntarily liquidated in 1904 after the French government did not renew the charter. Compagnie Nationale de Navigation was created by Marc Fraissinet with the original purpose of establishing regular troop transport to Tonkin, which at the time was a French protectorate. The Compagnie Nationale de Navigation Tonkin service was also an important supply line for France during the Sino-French War (1884-1885). The "Cheribon" was launched in 1882 and immediately began service on the Marseilles-French Indochina line, transporting French soldiers before and during the war. By the end of the Sino-French War, the Compagnie Nationale de Navigation had procured eight steamers, along the Marseilles-French Indochina route, all between 2,900 and 3,700 in tonnage. With the war over, and France the victor, the company found itself with access tonnage and began diversifying its routes.