 The German shipping company Hamburg America Line, also known as the "Hamburg Amerikanische Packetfahrt Actien-Gesellschaft", was involved in Atlantic transport for almost a century.The company began operations in 1847 and employed many German immigrants, many of them fleeing the revolutions of 1848–9.New York City was the most common destination for ships traveling from Hamburg, and various restaurants in the city began offering the Hamburg-style steak to attract German sailors.