The SS Bothnia was a British steam passenger ship designed for trans-Atlantic crossings between Liverpool and North American ports such as New York City and Boston. Built by J & G Thomson of Clydebank, she was launched on 4 March 1874 for the British & North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, which later became the Cunard Line in 1879. The vessel featured an iron hull and had a gross register tonnage of 4,535 tons, with a length of approximately 422 feet. Powering the Bothnia was a 600-horsepower, two-cylinder compound steam engine, which provided a top speed of around 12.5 knots. In addition to her steam propulsion, she was barque-rigged on three masts, allowing for auxiliary sailing. Her passenger capacity was notable; she could carry up to 1,400 passengers, with accommodations for 300 in first class and 1,100 in third class, reflecting her role in transporting both wealthy travelers and emigrants. The ship’s maiden voyage commenced on 8 August 1874, departing Liverpool via Queenstown for New York. Later, on 15 April 1885, she began voyages from Liverpool to Boston, serving as a vital link across the Atlantic for over two decades. Her service history includes her operational years until mid-1898, after which she was withdrawn from service. Subsequently, she was sold and eventually scrapped in Marseille in 1899. The SS Bothnia stands as an example of late 19th-century maritime passenger transportation, combining steam power with traditional sailing rigging and serving as part of the historic fleet operated by Cunard during a period of significant trans-Atlantic maritime development.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.