# Blohm+Voss

> German shipbuilding and engineering company

**Wikidata**: [Q218715](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q218715)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blohm+Voss)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/blohm-voss

## Summary
Blohm+Voss is a German shipbuilding and engineering company founded in 1877 by Hermann Blohm and Ernst Voss. Headquartered in Hamburg, it is renowned for constructing notable vessels like the Bismarck-class battleship and the Gorch Fock training ships, as well as pioneering aircraft designs such as the BV 138 flying boat. The company has played a significant role in both military and civilian maritime history.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: April 5, 1877, by Hermann Blohm and Ernst Voss.
- **Headquarters**: Hamburg, Germany.
- **Parent Organizations**: ThyssenKrupp (historically), Lürssen (current).
- **Industry**: Shipbuilding, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering.
- **Notable Vessels**: Bismarck, Gorch Fock I and II, U-boats (e.g., U-995), and the luxury yacht A.
- **Aircraft Designs**: BV 138, BV 222 Wiking, and experimental jet fighters like the P.212.
- **Employees**: 689 (as of recent data).
- **Subsidiaries/Related Entities**: Hamburger Flugzeugbau (aviation division), H. C. Stülcken Sohn (shipyard).
- **Historical Significance**: Major contributor to the German Kriegsmarine during World War II and post-war commercial shipping.

## FAQs
### What is Blohm+Voss known for?
Blohm+Voss is known for its shipbuilding expertise, producing iconic warships, submarines, and luxury yachts, as well as innovative aircraft during the 20th century.

### Who founded Blohm+Voss?
The company was founded by Hermann Blohm and Ernst Voss in 1877.

### What are some notable ships built by Blohm+Voss?
Notable vessels include the battleship Bismarck, the training ships Gorch Fock I and II, and U-boats like U-995. They also constructed luxury yachts such as A and the historic windjammer Peking.

### What role did Blohm+Voss play in World War II?
During WWII, the company built U-boats, battleships, and aircraft for the German military, significantly impacting naval warfare.

### What happened to Blohm+Voss after the war?
Post-WWII, the company transitioned to commercial shipbuilding and diversified into aerospace, later becoming part of ThyssenKrupp and eventually Lürssen.

### What is the current status of Blohm+Voss?
As of recent data, Blohm+Voss operates as a subsidiary of Lürssen, focusing on naval and luxury yacht construction.

## Why It Matters
Blohm+Voss is pivotal in maritime and aviation history, driving innovation in ship design and military technology. Its contributions span from iconic warships that shaped global conflicts to luxury vessels and advanced aircraft, leaving a lasting legacy in engineering and manufacturing. The company's adaptability across centuries underscores its resilience and influence in global industry.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Warships**: Built the Bismarck, one of the largest warships of WWII.
- **U-boat Production**: Constructed numerous U-boats, including the Type VII and Type XXI submarines.
- **Aerospace Pioneering**: Developed flying boats and early jet aircraft during the 1930s-1940s.
- **Luxury Yachts**: Crafted high-profile yachts like A and Savarona.
- **Historic Preservation**: Restored and maintained historic ships such as the Peking and Passat.

## Body
### History
Founded in 1877 by Hermann Blohm and Ernst Voss, Blohm+Voss emerged as a leading shipbuilder in Hamburg. By the early 20th century, it constructed naval vessels for the German Empire, including the SMS Derfflinger. During WWII, the company shifted to military production, building U-boats and battleships like the Bismarck. Post-war, it diversified into commercial shipping and aerospace, developing aircraft through its Hamburger Flugzeugbau division.

### Shipbuilding Legacy
The company's shipbuilding portfolio includes:
- **Warships**: Bismarck, Admiral Hipper-class cruisers, and Scharnhorst-class battlecruisers.
- **Submarines**: Over 200 U-boats, such as U-995 (Type VII C/41) and experimental Type XVII and XXI submarines.
- **Training Ships**: Gorch Fock I and II, used by the German Navy for cadet training.
- **Luxury Yachts**: A, Eclipse, and Savarona, showcasing craftsmanship in private maritime luxury.

### Aerospace Contributions
Blohm+Voss's aviation division, Hamburger Flugzeugbau, designed notable aircraft:
- **BV 138**: A long-range flying boat for maritime patrol.
- **BV 222 Wiking**: One of the largest flying boats of WWII.
- **Experimental Jets**: The P.212 and BV 40 rocket-powered interceptor, reflecting wartime innovation.

### Corporate Evolution
- **Parent Companies**: Part of ThyssenKrupp from 1999, later acquired by Lürssen in 2016.
- **Subsidiaries**: H. C. Stülcken Sohn, another Hamburg shipyard, merged with Blohm+Voss in the 20th century.
- **Modern Focus**: Currently specializes in naval vessels, offshore platforms, and luxury yachts under Lürssen's ownership.

### Notable Vessels and Projects
- **Peking**: A historic windjammer restored as a museum ship.
- **Cap Arcona**: A luxury liner later used in maritime transport.
- **João Coutinho-class Corvettes**: Built for the Portuguese Navy in the 1970s.
- **MEKO-class Frigates**: Designed for international navies, emphasizing modular construction.

### Cultural and Historical Impact
Blohm+Voss's ships and aircraft are preserved in museums and memorials worldwide, symbolizing German engineering prowess. The company's wartime role remains a subject of historical study, while its peacetime innovations highlight its adaptability and global influence.

## References

1. 20th Century Press Archives
2. [Algemeen plan van ms. 'Boissevain' van de KPM, 1938. 1938](https://n2t.net/ark:/33862/collect/598045)
3. [Algemeen plan van het vrachtschip ms. 'Noordwijk'. 1958](https://n2t.net/ark:/33862/collect/573907)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](http://www.blohmvoss.com/de/)
7. [Source](http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/U_999)
8. [Source](https://uboat.net/technical/shipyards/blohm.htm)
9. [Source](http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/U_1000)
10. [Source](http://gorchfock1.de/technische-daten/)
11. [Source](http://www.bismarck-class.dk/technicallayout/generaldetails.html)
12. [Source](https://www.ndr.de/kultur/geschichte/chronologie/Vor-60-Jahren-Gorch-Fock-laeuft-vom-Stapel,stapellaufgorchfock2.html)
13. [Source](http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/U_1001)
14. [Source](http://www.ubootarchiv.de/ubootwiki/index.php/U_1002)
15. [Source](https://www.uboat.net/boats/u618.htm)
16. [Source](https://www.uboat.net/boats/u619.htm)
17. [Source](https://uboat.net/boats/u620.htm)
18. [Source](https://uboat.net/boats/u621.htm)
19. The Submarine War, 1939-1945
20. [Beeld van de gebroken ophanging van het roer van het passagiers- en [...]. 1931](https://n2t.net/ark:/33862/collect/612935)
21. FactGrid