Athenic-class ocean liner

SS Athenic
Class overview
Builders	Harland and Wolff, Belfast, Ireland
Operators	White Star Line
Preceded by	"Big Four"
Succeeded by	Olympic class
Built	1902–1903
In service	1902–1962
Completed	3
Retired	3
General characteristics
Type	Ocean liner
Tonnage	app. 12,352 ton
Length	500.3 ft (152.5 m)
Beam	63.3 ft (19.3 m)
Propulsion	Twin propellers (driven by Quadruple expansion engines)
Speed	14 knots (26 km/h)
Capacity	690 passengers: 120 First Class, 120 Second Class, 450 Third Class

The Athenic-class ocean liners were a three ship class of ocean liners built by the Harland & Wolff shipyard for the White Star Line in the early 20th century.

The first ship built was SS Athenic, followed by SS Corinthic. Both were launched in 1902. The Athenic was launched as a dual purpose cargo/passenger ship. The last ship, SS Ionic, was launched one year later. In the First World War, all three ships were used as troop transports. Their route was from Liverpool to New Zealand. In 1928, the Athenic was sold to a Norwegian firm and converted into a whaling ship. The SS Corinthic was scrapped in 1931. In the Second World War, the Athenic was torpedoed twice and sunk by U-69 but later she was raised and returned to her owner. She was scrapped in 1962. In 1934, the Ionic was sold to the Shaw, Savill & Albion Line and was scrapped two years later.

References

• Athenic-class ocean liners at ssMaritime.com