Switzerland's largest electric ship sets sail on Lake Zurich

The Lake Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG) has electrified one of its ships, the MS Uetliberg. The retrofitted ship is now Switzerland’s largest fully battery-powered vessel and serves the regular ZSG ferry routes that run throughout the year. 

EMS Uetliberg sets sail on Lake Zurich

The MS Uetliberg - now renamed the EMS Uetliberg - was officially inaugurated last week and, since August 1, has joined the fleet of ships sailing the regular ferry routes around Lake Zurich, which are a quintessential part of the cityscape, especially during the summer months. 

The ferries run boat tours that circumnavigate Lake Zurich year-round, lasting anywhere between one and four and a half hours. They also offer “adventure cruises” that feature anything from puppet shows to fondue. Regular public transport tickets are valid on the normal ferry routes. 

New electric motor saves 113.000 litres of diesel per year

The Uetliberg’s new electric motors - which were fitted last year by the ZSG team - are powered by 7.200 battery cells, enough for seven short cruises, and will save up to 113.000 litres of diesel per year. On top of that, the new electric motor is noticeably quieter than the roar of the old diesel motor. 

The MS Uetliberg is not the first electric ship to appear in Switzerland or even in Zurich - some already sail on Lake Lucerne and Lake Greifen, and the ZSG has already been operating three electrified river ships on the Limmat for more than two years - but it is the largest to run on battery power alone. 

ZSG plans to electrify 10 ships by 2035

The ZSG isn’t stopping there, either; the company has grand plans to electrify the rest of its ferry fleet, converting 10 of its 17 ships by 2035. The plans have already been approved by the ZVV Transport Council.

However, some traditions will remain: the steamboats Stadt Rapperswil and Stadt Zurich will continue to operate with paddle wheels and steam, as they have done for more than 100 years.