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.

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.

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.

[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.