Retrofit of the MS Ceresio – Electrification of a diesel-powered passenger ship

Emission-free operation of the MS Ceresio, built in 1931 with a diesel engine

The electrification of the MS Ceresio is part of an ambitious project for the electrification of shipping on the lakes of Ticino. The joint project of Baumüller and the Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano (SNL) pursues the goal of operating the entire SNL fleet fully electrically and emission-free by 2035. The conversion of the MS Ceresio, which was built in 1931 with a diesel engine, marked the start of the project, with further ships to follow.

With the electrified Ceresio, the goal of a greener lake by 2035 is getting closer and closer. For us, the responsibility to future generations to ensure sustainable and modern waterway transport is a top priority. We are fully committed to finding pioneering and innovative solutions, and we’re pleased to have the support of the Baumüller Group along the way.”

Agostino Ferrazzini, President of SNL

For this purpose, Baumüller is supplying pioneering drive systems for the “Project 20-35”, thereby setting new standards for waterborne transport on Swiss lakes together with SNL.

Electrification of the MS Ceresio, built in 1931 with a diesel engine

The requirement from SNL for designing the electric drive system was to enable shuttle operation for approximately 3.5 hours in the morning between Lugano and Porto Ceresio. They also requested that 30% battery capacity remain available afterward.

Actual usage has shown operating times of around 6 to 7 hours, indicating that energy consumption is significantly better than expected. This is primarily due to lower operating speeds in real-world conditions. In addition, a special hull coating was applied to reduce water resistance and minimize algae and mussel buildup.

The Ceresio was equipped with two DST2 electric motors, each rated at 180 kW, reaching a top speed of 24 km/h. The matched battery capacity is 840 kWh. Thanks to the 1.6 MW high-power charging station installed at the pier, the Ceresio can be fully recharged in just 20 minutes.

The MSE Ceresio handles daily ferry operations entirely with electric drive technology. As a result, exhaust emissions and the typical noise of diesel ferries are a thing of the past. Our long-standing expertise in charging infrastructure and ship electrification aligns perfectly with SNL’s sustainable, forward-looking transport concept.”

Andreas Baumüller, CEO of the Baumüller Group

MS Ceresio: From diesel to fully electric

To protect your privacy, the link to the video streaming service is deactivated. Click to activate the link. This allows personal data to be transmitted to third-party platforms. Find out more in our privacy policy.

Fast charging station with 1.6 MW charging power

Unmistakable with its bright violet light strip, the new charging point of the MS Ceresio on Lake Lugano fits well into the look of the rest of the pier. The passenger ship has an 840 kWh battery and is fully charged with the manual charging station in only 20 minutes.

With DC fast charging, the required infrastructure on the vessel itself is minimized, allowing for reduced onboard battery capacity. This results in weight savings, extended operating time, and optimized usable space on the ship, making emission-free shipping even more attractive.

Plugging in is made easy thanks to DC conversion. The charging station technology installed at the pier enables the use of highly robust yet easy-to-connect plugs.

Starting signal for an all-electric, emission-free inland waterway transport fleet

In 2021, Baumüller and the Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano (SNL) officially entered into a long-term partnership, marking a milestone in the electrification of inland waterway transport in Switzerland. The companies will work together to realize “Project 20-35”. The aim of the project is to achieve the all-electric and emission-free operation of the SNL fleet by 2035.