SS Traffic (1872)

The SS Traffic was a passenger and cargo steamship built in 1872 by Harland and Wolff in Belfast for the White Star Line. She was primarily used as a tender, ferrying passengers, baggage, and mail between the White Star Line's larger ocean liners anchored in the Mersey River and the landing stage at Liverpool, England. Her role avoided the need for the larger ships to navigate the often-congested and shallow channels closer to shore.

The Traffic was relatively small compared to the White Star Line's ocean liners. She provided a vital service, enabling efficient transfer of passengers and goods irrespective of tidal conditions or congestion in the port. Her dimensions and design were tailored specifically for this purpose, prioritizing maneuverability and passenger capacity over long-distance travel or luxurious accommodations.

The ship remained in service with the White Star Line for a considerable period, contributing to the smooth operation of their transatlantic service during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Details about her eventual disposal or fate are scarce, but she fulfilled a crucial supporting role in the golden age of ocean liner travel.