High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! SMS Von der Tann was the first battlecruiser built for the German Kaiserliche Marine, as well as Germany`s first major turbine-powered warship. At the time of her construction, Von der Tann was the fastest dreadnought-type warship afloat, capable of reaching speeds of more than 27 knots. Built by Blohm Voss in Hamburg,Von der Tann was the workhorse of the High Seas Fleet Scouting Squadron.