BERLIN’S OLDEST PASSENGER VESSEL ENTERS A NEW GREEN ERA POWERED BY TORQEEDO
Kaiser Friedrich, a vessel steeped in history, was built in 1886. It recently marked its return to service with a ceremonial christening in central Berlin. In a bid to preserve its legacy, its owners refitted the historic 30-meter vessel with a modern, emission-free electric drive system by the world leader in electric mobility on the water, Torqeedo.
The Kaiser Friedrich, a twin-screw steamship, plied Berlin’s waters for almost 80 years before it was decommissioned in 1967 and converted into offices and residential space. In 1986, the German Museum of Technology purchased the 100-ton boat and restored it to its original appearance. For several years, the Kaiser Friedrich once again delighted guests with historical city tours until its engines, which used over 150 liters of diesel per hour, made operation both ecologically and economically unviable. The museum reclaimed the boat in 2012 and started the search for Kaiser Friedrich’s next chapter.
In 2022, Volker Marhold and Julius Dahmen, who both have experience converting historic boats to electric propulsion, purchased the Kaiser Friedrich. In close collaboration with Torqeedo’s Customized Solutions team, the conversion to an ultra-efficient electric drive system with twin Deep Blue 50 kW inboard motors and a 400 kWh Deep Blue battery bank was expertly completed by the Tangermünde Shipbuilding and Development Company in Genthin, Germany.
Starting on 13 May, Berliners and visitors to the “Athens on the Spree” can enjoy an eco-friendly city tour on board this legendary passenger vessel. At night, the city’s most famous boat transforms into a floating beer garden during the 3.5-hour Old Berlin Beer Evening.
Mr. Dahmen, co-owner of the 138-year-old vessel and operator of Berliner Welle, a company that provides a variety of historic boats for excursions and events, said: “Whisper-quiet, environmentally conscious and free of local emissions, the Kaiser Friedrich will again be available to the people of Berlin. This is the third Berliner Welle excursion boat that we have converted to Torqeedo electric drives, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration.”
“The Kaiser Friedrich is a longtime maritime landmark of the city,” said Mr. Marhold. “And now it is also a symbol of transformation towards the mobility of the future. And what a wonderful future for Berlin’s oldest passenger vessel, which can now once again welcome passengers to celebrate life with them while enjoying breathtaking views of our beautiful city.”
“Torqeedo’s electric drive and energy management systems for commercial vessels are transforming the world’s waterways,” said Fabian Bez, CEO of Torqeedo GmbH. “Major cities like Berlin are taking measures to reduce boating and shipping’s ecological, health and climate impacts. But it’s not just happening in urban areas: Lake Constance is working toward a holistic decarbonization strategy, and we see similar efforts implemented around the globe.”
“An electrification project of this size and historical significance is an important step forward,” continued Bez. “Commercial vessels of all sizes can be cleaner, quieter, and healthier for our natural and human environments. The technology is here today. It’s time to go electric.”
Ferretti Group officially opened its Riva shipyard in La Spezia in a ceremony attended by Chairman Tan Xuguang and CEO Alberto Galassi, as well as by local authorities and a delegation from Weichai, the Group’s longstanding shareholder.
The La Spezia production site now plays a crucial industrial role and employs over 750 workers on a daily basis, including 200 direct employees, representing a strategic centre for Ferretti Group in the area of the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas.
The refurbishment covered both the production and management sections of the shipyard in La Spezia were Riva yachts are produced as well as the lounge area that offers hospitality to owners, captains and crew.
The total surface area of 64,000 square metres, with 33 berths on over 400 linear metres of docks, is made up of four industrial sheds with 21 production stations, plus another two sheds totalling 1,000 square metres dedicated to the painting process.
Work at the production centre, which now has photovoltaic plants and exclusive purpose-designed spaces like the Riva Lounge, is focused on seven Riva models from 76 feet to 130 feet. When fully operational, the site will make it possible to launch another 30 boats a year of up to 40 metres in length.
Located in an area of Regional Interest, the site aims to protect and respect the natural environment, as certified by Rina according to standards ISO 14001:20151 and ISO 9001:2015.
The Shipyard forms part of the “Miglio Blu” (Blue Mile) project to promote the local area and its excellence in yachting while respecting the surrounding environment.
After the excellent quarterly report just announced, the opening ceremony was an opportunity to see firsthand the shipyard’s new look with an audience of local and national authorities, and a key moment to take stock of the Group’s achievements: Group Chairman Tan again confirmed his appreciation for the work of Ferretti Group management and renewed his confidence in the team of managers led by Alberto Galassi as they look ahead to the challenges of the years to come.
