Imperator-class ocean liner

Photograph of the three former Imperator-class liners from left to right: SS Leviathan (former SS Vaterland), RMS Majestic (former SS Bismarck), and RMS Berengaria (former SS Imperator), photographed side by side in Southampton, England
Class overview
BuildersImperator: AG Vulcan Stettin, Germany Vaterland/Majestic: Blohm+Voss, Hamburg, Germany
Built1912–1914
In service1913–1946
Planned3
Completed3
Lost1
Retired2
General characteristics
TypeOcean liner
Tonnage52,117 - 56,551 GRT
Length906–956 ft (276–291 m)
Beam98 ft 3 in (29.9 m) to 100 ft 1 in (30.5 m)
Draught35 ft 2 in (10.7 m) to 37 ft 9 in (11.5 m)
Decks11
SS Imperator

The Imperator-class was a series of three large ocean liners designed and built for the Hamburg America Line (HAPAG). Envisaged by HAPAG chairman, Albert Ballin, the three ships - Imperator, launched in 1912; Vaterland, launched in 1913; and Bismarck, launched in 1914 - each displaced over 50,000 tons, with each successively holding the title of the world's largest passenger ship. All three were interred by the United States during the First World War, and were turned over to the Allies as reparations following the war's end.