Persia was a British passenger liner operated by the Cunard Line that won the Blue Riband in 1856 for the fastest westbound transatlantic voyage.

[2][3][4] However, the inefficiencies of paddle wheel propulsion rendered Persia obsolete and she was taken out of service in 1868 after only twelve years.

Attempts to convert Persia to sail were unsuccessful and the former pride of the British merchant marine was scrapped in 1872.

Arabia crammed more powerful engines into a smaller ship than the Collins speedsters, and touched 15 knots on trials.

[5] Her two-cylinder side-lever engine produced 3,600 horsepower (2,700 kW) and consumed 145 long tons (147 t) of coal per day.