Founded in Bremen on February 20, 1857, by Hermann Henrich Meier and Eduard Crüsemann.30 Began regular services between Bremerhaven and New York in 1858 with the ships Bremen and New York, later expanding to Baltimore and New Orleans.30 Became one of the main carriers of German and European emigrants to the USA.30 In 1885, won the postal contract for Australia and the Far East, requiring the construction of ships in Germany.30 In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, competed fiercely with HAPAG and British lines for supremacy in the North Atlantic, launching the Kaiser class of fast and luxurious ocean liners (Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse (1897, first German holder of the Blue Riband), Kronprinz Wilhelm, Kaiser Wilhelm II, Kronprinzessin Cecilie).30 Around 1907, operated multiple routes to North America (NY, Baltimore, Savannah, Galveston, Cuba), South America (Brazil, Rio de la Plata), and Asia/Australia.30 Played a role in transporting objects and in colonial logistics, especially in the Pacific.12 Lost most of its fleet after World War I due to confiscations.30 Rebuilt the fleet in the 1920s and 1930s, launching the modern Bremen (IV) and Europa (which won the Blue Riband). Cooperated with HAPAG from 1930.30 Again lost its entire fleet after World War II.30 Resumed operations after the war and, on September 1, 1970, merged with HAPAG to form Hapag-Lloyd AG.30