Staheliner

The Staheliner was a luxury ocean liner and passenger ship operated by the Austrian shipping company Österreichische Lloyd (Austrian Lloyd) from 1907 to 1939. Named after the Austrian province of Styria (German: *Steiermark*), the ship was designed to compete with other prominent liners of the era, such as the RMS *Titanic* and the *Olympic*, by offering high-end travel services to passengers across the Atlantic Ocean.

Constructed by the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, the Staheliner was launched in 1906 and completed in 1907. At 20,200 gross tons, it was slightly smaller than the RMS *Titanic* but featured modern amenities for its time, including spacious cabins, fine dining, and recreational facilities. The ship was primarily used on the Vienna–New York route, catering to wealthy European travelers seeking transatlantic passage.

During its service, the Staheliner gained a reputation for comfort and reliability, though it was not as famous as some of its contemporaries. It operated during World War I, though it was not directly involved in combat. After the war, the ship continued service under Austrian Lloyd until 1939, when it was requisitioned by the German navy (Kriegsmarine) and converted into a troop transport. It was later scuttled in 1945 to prevent capture by Allied forces.

The Staheliner was notable for its role in early 20th-century transatlantic travel, representing the luxury and technological advancements of the era. Though it did not achieve the same level of infamy as the *Titanic*, it remains an important part of maritime history, reflecting the golden age of ocean liners.