SS Borussia (1912)

The SS Borussia was a German passenger and cargo ship built in 1912 by Joh. C. Tecklenborg Werft in Geestemünde, Germany, for the Hamburg America Line (HAPAG). It was one of several ships named Borussia in the HAPAG fleet. This particular Borussia served primarily on routes between Hamburg and South American ports, including those in Brazil and Argentina.

During World War I, the Borussia, like many German merchant vessels, sought refuge in neutral ports to avoid capture by Allied forces. It spent the war years laid up in South America.

After the war, the Borussia was seized by the Brazilian government as part of war reparations owed by Germany. It was then transferred to French ownership in 1920 and renamed the La Bourdonnais. Under French ownership, it continued to operate as a passenger liner, though typically on different routes compared to its pre-war service.

The ship was eventually scrapped in 1929.