SS Vaterland (1913)

The SS Vaterland was a German ocean liner built by Blohm & Voss in Hamburg for the Hamburg America Line (HAPAG). Launched in 1913, she was the second of HAPAG's trio of giant ships, which also included the Imperator and the Bismarck. At the time of her launch, Vaterland was the largest passenger ship in the world, exceeding the Imperator in gross tonnage.

Vaterland was designed for the transatlantic route between Europe and the United States. Her interiors were lavishly decorated, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the pre-World War I era. She offered accommodation in first, second, and third class.

With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Vaterland was caught in New York City. Due to the dangers of wartime navigation and the risk of seizure by Allied forces, she remained inactive in port.

In 1917, when the United States entered the war, Vaterland was seized by the U.S. government. She was renamed Leviathan and refitted for service as a troop transport. As the Leviathan, she played a significant role in transporting American soldiers to Europe during the war.

After the war, the Leviathan was retained by the United States and underwent extensive refurbishment. She was converted back into a passenger liner and operated for the United States Lines from 1923 until 1934. She became a popular ship and a symbol of American pride during the interwar years.

Despite her initial German origins, the Leviathan, formerly the Vaterland, became an important part of American maritime history. She was eventually scrapped in 1938.