Europa: The Twice Lost Liner

The first major ship built for North German Lloyd after World War I was the 30,000 ton Columbus.  This ship was not a record breaker in any way but proved that the German company could still be competitive on the Atlantic.  Columbus made money for Lloyd and along with repayment by the United States for wartime losses, enabled NDL to build two new liners.  The plans evolved from modest sized vessels into large and powerful vessels.  On successive days in August 1928, the Bremen and Europa were launched.  For more about Bremen, see  my previous article, “Cathedrals of Steel: German Deco at Sea.”

Bremen with short stacks and Europa with lengthened ones.  1:1250 scale models by Carlo Marquardt and Mercator.

North German Lloyd planned for Europa to enter service alongside Bremen and for the ships to simultaneously capture the Blue Riband together.  While fitting out in Hamburg, Europa caught fire and suffered extensive damage.  Her debut was delayed and Bremen set out alone.   Packed with innovations:  bulbous bow, powerful turbines, streamlined exteriors, modern Bauhaus-style interiors, and even a sea plane launch, the ships proved immediately popular.

Ballroom circa 1930.  From German Federal Archives.

Both ships were initially design with low, squat funnels.  While this design fit the aesthetic, they proved less than ideal.  The funnels sent soot and smoke back toward the decks and dirtied passengers’ clothing.  The funnels were later heightened to prevent exhaust from reaching the decks.

Europa was a fast ship, breaking Bremen’s speed record, but over time, she proved to be not as fast as her sister.

1:1250 model with authentic Third Class Breakfast Menu, dated September, 1937.

At the outbreak of the war, Europa was moved to Kiel, Germany and used as an accommodation ship by the German navy, where she was docked throughout the war.  Plans to scuttle the ship never came through and she was captured in her dock by American forces.  She served briefly as a troop and repatriation ship for the U.S. Navy until allocated to the French in 1946 as reparations for the Normandie.  The French Line renamed her Liberte and set about updating her interiors for a new generation of travelers.


In 1947 she was nearly lost again when her mooring lines broke during a storm.  To prevent her from capsizing, Liberte was deliberately scuttled.  When calm seas returned, she was re-floated and restored to service.   She served the French Line until 1961.  Sold for scrap in 1962.

SS Europa (1930-1945, Liberte, 1946-1961) built for North German Lloyd by Blohm & Voss, Hamburg, Germany.  49,746 gross tons.  936 feet long, 102 feet wide.  Steam turbines geared to quadruple screw.  Service speed 27.5 knots.  Total Passengers: 2244 (723 first class, 616 tourist class, 905 third class).