The Schifffahrts-Genossenschaft Greifensee (SGG) is converting the HEIMAT motor vessel from a diesel drive to a fully electric drive. The federal government, canton and local authorities are supporting the flagship project by providing financial contributions, including through the canton of Zurich’s charitable fund and the BAV Programm ES öV 2050 (Federal Office of Transport’s public transport energy strategy programme).

Built in 1933 and conventionally powered by a diesel motor, the HEIMAT motor vessel is in use all year round for up to 12 scheduled cruises between Maur and Uster on Lake Greifen. The trips are part of the public transport network and are run as part of a transport order from the Zurich Transport Network (Züricher Verkehrsverbunds (ZVV)). The ship is also used for transfers and ship charters. 

With the planned conversion from diesel to a fully electric drive system, the SGG will reduce Co2 emissions by around 10 tonnes per year. The goal of the SGG is to have the first fully electric commercial passenger boat in German-speaking Switzerland be an environmentally friendly and sustainable transport option. The electrification process should be in harmony with the Lake Greifen conservation area, and at the same time should preserve the HEIMAT motor vessel as a historically relevant witness to the motorisation of the region; even in terms of appearance.

Shiptec is very pleased to be able to begin this flagship project together with the SGG!