The whaling steamer RAU IX was completed in 1939, so close to the start of World War II, that it could never be used as intended under the German flag. Instead, it served as an auxiliary warship until 1947. From 1948, the steamer was then used for whaling for 20 years under three names and four flags. Since 1973, it has been a major exhibit in the German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven.
🚢🧊 The whaling steamer RAU IX is an outstanding large exhibit at the German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven. Built in 1939 for the whaling fleet of the Walter Rau margarine factory, the ship was initially used as an auxiliary warship.