Transatlantic Crossing

Transatlantic Crossing

Transatlantic crossings are passages of passengers and cargo across the Atlantic Ocean between the Americas and Europe. Prior to the 19th century, transatlantic crossings were undertaken in sailing ships, and the journeys were time consuming and often perilous. Transatlantic crossings became faster, safer, and more reliable with the advent of steamships. Grand ocean liners began making regularly scheduled crossings, and soon it became a symbol of national and company status to build the largest, fastest, and most luxurious ocean liner for transatlantic crossings. The United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy built the most famous ocean liners. Transatlantic crossings through water are still slow compared to aircraft crossings, taking anywhere between one week and several months to complete. Examples of some famous transatlantic liners are RMS Lusitania, RMS Mauretania, RMS Olympic, RMS Titanic, SS Rex, SS United States, RMS Queen Mary, SS Normandie, SS Andrea Doria, SS France, RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, and RMS Queen Mary 2.

The Blue Riband is awarded for the record fastest crossing. The current eastbound transatlantic sailing record was set by the American ocean liner United States in July 1952: the ship made the crossing in 3 days, 10 hours, 40 minutes.

Guinness Book of World Records has been tracking all vessels making the passage and has awarded world records to luxury liners, sail boats, and rowing boats.

During World War II the transatlantic crossing was very important for the United Kingdom as much of Europe had been taken over by Germany and their allies preventing trade and supplies; the struggle is known as the Battle of the Atlantic. The main port for Europe during this time was Liverpool which had large areas of docklands. The shipping movement for Liverpool was controlled by the 'North West Shipping Control' at Bank Hall (a country house in Lancashire) during World War II, which was situated away from Liverpool due to the high risk of bombing.