The SS Bremen, sailing for the German Norddeutsch Lloyd (NDL) line, arrived in New York City on 16 July, 1929, just four days, 17 hours, and 42 minutes after departing from Bremerhaven. Constructed in Bremen by Deutsche Schiff un Maschinebau, AG, the Bremen was launched in August of last year by German President Paul von Hindenberg. This was her first transatlantic journey, and was made at an average speed of almost 28 knots (51.5kph), enough to wrest the westbound crossing record from the Cunard Line's RMS Mauritania.
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The SS Bremen in October, 1928, shortly after passing her
initial sea trials.
(Norddeutsch Lloyd Line photo) |
A second record was set on the same voyage when a Heinkle HE-12 seaplane piloted by Jobst von Studnitz was launched from a catapult on the deck of the Bremen just a few hours before it's arrival in New York with a number of mailbags. This marked the first time mail was carried by a ship-launched plane for delivery before the ship's arrival.
Because of the speed of the crossing, NDL says that it plans to provide weekly transatlantic service utilizing the Bremen and her sister ship, Europa, an operation that has previously required three ships to maintain. In maritime circles, the two ships are widely considered to be the most modern liners in the world. The high speeds and the comfort and luxury level on board make high demands of technical personnel. Each ship carries a crew of 966 - including technical and engineering crew of 170 - along with 2,139 passengers.
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