The T.S. Bremen was originally built as the SS Pasteur – a steam turbine ocean liner built for Compagnie de Navigation Sud-Atlantique.
After being acquired by North German Lloyd and renamed T.S. Bremen in 1957, she was extensively rebuilt at Bremer Vulkan in Bremen for approximately 65 million DM. Her size was increased to 32,336 GRT and the load-carrying capacity with 8,700 tdw. She received new boilers and four steam turbines with a maximum output of 60,000 HP giving her a maximum speed of 26 knots (48 km/h). Economical output of 53,500 HP gave a speed of 23 knots (43 km/h). Three 1,375 KVA generators had an output of 6,600 kilowatt. One very noticeable change was the new drop-shaped funnel, which was much more in proportion with the ship than the original tall funnel. To enhance comfort, two 4.5 m Stabilizers were fitted. In June 1959 she underwent new sea trials.
Beginning in 1960, the Bremen was used in cruise service to the Caribbean and South America. A bulbous bow was added during her 1965–66 refit at the repair yard of North German Lloyd.
In 1970, NDL merged with Hamburg America Line to form the large shipping company, Hapag Lloyd.
