In 1873 "SS Prins Hendrik I" was wrecked on the Brothers Islands in the Red Sea on 27 September. Almost immediately a replacement, SS Prins Hendrik II was ordered in Glasgow. SMN would also order "Prinses Amalia" in 1873, and the orders for "SS Voorwaarts" were probably also given in 1873. As such SMN executed the above plans to increase her fleet to six ships. During 1873 9 outbound and 8 homeward bound trips were made with the first four ships, as well as three outbound trips with chartered ships. The net profit over 1873 was 193,879 guilders after 153,600 guilders had been booked on depreciation. The net profit was used to cover the losses of the first years.