The SS Bremen of 1929 was one of a pair of ocean liners built for the Norddeutsche Lloyd line (NDL) for the transatlantic passenger service. The Bremen was notable for her low streamlined profile, and modern approach to her design overall.

Originally it was planned to have the Bremen make a simultaneous transatlantic crossing with her sister Europa, but the Europa was held up by a serious fire during fitting-out, so the Bremen made a solo maiden voyage, departing Bremerhaven for New York City on 16 July, 1929. She arrived four days, 17 hours, and 42 minutes later, capturing the Blue Riband from the Mauretania at an average speed of 27.83 knots.

The German pair sparked the building of the large (and very expensive) express liners of the 1930s. The Bremen lost the Blue Riband to the Italian Rex in 1933.

Early on during the Second World War the Bremen was used as a barrack ship, and was it was planned to use her as transport in the intended invasion of Great Britain. In 1941, the Bremen was set alight by a crew member while at her dock in Bremerhaven. She was broken up in 1946.

Specifications

• 51,656 gross tons.
• 938.6 ft (286.1 m) overall length,101.7 ft (31 m) beam.
• Engines: steam turbines geared to four screws, 105,000 shaft horsepower (78 MW), designed speed 26.3 knots (49 km/h).
• 2139 passengers (811 first class, 500 second class, 300 tourist class, 617 third class), 966 crew.