In 1913 a new ocean liner was introduced that changed everything. SS Imperator was the brainchild of the ingenious German shipping official Albert Ballin. He envisaged a trio of ships that would tackle and beat the reigning ships of the era; Lusitania, Mauretania, Olympic and Titanic. The Cunard and White Star Line had proved difficult rivals to beat but Ballin's plan would see the construction of three massive ships, the largest passenger liners ever built in Germany. Imperator was followed quickly by Vaterland, both designed to be like the Ritz hotel at sea; but the first world war would end the dream. Imperator and Vaterland were confiscated by the allies, becoming Cunard's RMS Berengaria and United States Lines' SS Leviathan while the third, unfished sister Bismarck went to White Star Line and became RMS Majestic. It's an epic tale of hope, loss and rebirth.

Written by: Sarah Brenneman and Michael Brady
Animated by: Jack Gibson
Ballin trio ships by Colin W
Contact for model commissions: [email protected]
   • Imperator Class Ships Model Showcase  

Oceanliner Designs explores the design, construction, engineering and operation of history’s greatest vessels– from Titanic to Queen Mary and from the Empress of Ireland to the Lusitania. Join maritime researcher and illustrator Michael Brady as he tells the stories behind some of history's most famous ocean liners and machines!

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