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 trio of ocean liners built by Harland & Wolff shipyard for the White Star Line in the early 20th century, designed for the profitable London to New Zealand service. The class consisted of three ships: SS Athenic, SS Corinthic, and SS Ionic. Each was constructed with the intention of serving the passenger and cargo route between London and Liverpool to Wellington and Auckland.^[1] These ships were dual-purpose, equipped to carry both passengers and cargo, including refrigerated goods such as meat.^[2]

In 1928, Athenic was sold to a Norwegian firm and converted into a whaling ship. Her successful conversion led to the acquisition of several other half-sisters, including the Runic, Medic, and Suevic, who eventually became part of the whaling industry alongside her. The SS Corinthic was scrapped in 1931. In the Second World War, the Athenic was torpedoed twice and sunk by U-69 but was raised and returned to her owner both times. She was scrapped in 1962. In 1934, the Ionic was sold to the Shaw, Savill & Albion Line and was scrapped two years later.^[2]

The three vessels garnered immense respect in New Zealand, to the extent that upon the announcement of the sale of the last Athenic, the RMS Ionic, the Mayor of Auckland, Ernest Davis, requested the Shaw Savill & Albion Line to consider presenting the ship's bell to the City as a commemorative token during the vessel's final visit to New Zealand.^[2]