New electric ship: back to the future on Lake Zell
published on · Sustainability
No engine noise, no emissions, only water, mountains and silence: From July 2026, a new electric ship will glide quietly across Lake Zell. This marks the revival of a remarkable chapter in technological history. Back in 1907, the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s first electric passenger boat, the “Franz Ferdinand”, entered service. Almost 120 years later, Schmittenhöhebahn AG is writing the next chapter: The new vessel in the fleet combines striking design with electric propulsion.
Full steam ahead: key facts about the new zero-emission vessel
- purely electric propulsion with a battery capacity of approx. 700 kWh
- 25 m waterline length, approx. 1.20 m draught
- designed by Studio F. A. Porsche, built by the Lux shipyard in Mondorf near Bonn on the Rhine
- space for around 150 people on 2 decks with panoramic windows
- wheelchair-accessible boarding, and bistro area for snacks and drinks on board
- ship christening on 26 June 2026
- sightseeing cruises, charter trips and exclusive special trips from July 2026
A logistical masterpiece: from the Rhine to Lake Zell
The new electric ship already completed its first journey before it was launched on Lake Zell. From the Lux shipyard on the Rhine, where it was built, it first travelled by water to Linz together with a transfer team from the shipyard and captains Norbert Mayr and Matthias Loipold. There, the boat arrived right on schedule on 6 May.
After being loaded onto heavy-duty transport vehicles, the next stage began: a logistical masterpiece carried out over several nights. Salzburg-based transport company Knoll Logistik GmbH & Co KG brought the ship to Zell am See in cooperation with Felbermayr Transport- und Hebetechnik GmbH & Co KG. One special transport carried the main section of the boat, while two additional lorries transported the remaining components.
On the morning of 12 May, the new electric ship finally reached its destination in Thumersbach, where it was successfully launched and will begin welcoming guests on Lake Zell from the end of June.
From the Monarchy’s first electric motorboat to the ship of the future
What many people don’t know is that electric passenger shipping on Lake Zell dates back more than a century. As early as 1907, the “Franz Ferdinand”, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy’s first electric passenger boat, took to the waters of Lake Zell. Three years later, the “Großglockner” followed as a second electrically powered vessel.
In the decades after, diesel engines gradually replaced electric propulsion on the lake. With the new electric ship, Schmittenhöhebahn AG is now bringing this tradition back to life. Emission-free cruises are returning to the lake where their story began almost 120 years ago.
Design guaranteed to turn heads
The development of the vessel took around twelve months, from the initial concept to the final design. Right from the outset, the goal was clear: to create a ship that would impress not only with its functionality but also with a striking visual identity.
To achieve this, Schmittenhöhebahn AG worked with Studio F. A. Porsche in Zell am See, which created a distinctive and instantly recognisable design language for the ship. The visual design, in particular, makes a strong statement. In close coordination with the Lux shipyard, the designs were reviewed for technical feasibility and refined step by step.
The future of lake cruising is silent and emission-free
The most significant difference compared to the other vessels in the Lake Zell fleet is the electric propulsion system. With a total battery capacity of around 700 kWh, the ship can operate for up to ten hours at a time before being charged overnight in the boathouse.
During operation, it produces no emissions – a major advantage particularly in the highly frequented area around the Esplanade. The electricity required comes exclusively from renewable energy supplied by Salzburg AG. The vessel therefore fits seamlessly into the sustainable corporate philosophy of Schmittenhöhebahn AG.
Schmitten tip
A trip on the new electric ship is the perfect way to round off a visit to the Schmittenhöhe: Spend the morning exploring the mountain, then glide peacefully across the lake in the afternoon. You can find up-to-date timetables and booking options for round trips and charter cruises in our boat tours section.
We look forward to your visit.
