In 2022, the shipyard building underwent comprehensive revitalization: the new façade insulation significantly reduces energy consumption, while the completely reorganized interior layout creates modern, functional workspaces. In addition, a newly integrated restroom facility enhances the infrastructure of the shipyard hall.
Sustainability
With the development of our sustainability concept in 2020, we set a decisive course for the future. This not only provides a strategic framework but also sharpens our vision. We are embedding sustainable practices even more deeply within the company and aligning our future investments consistently with the strategic goal of decarbonization.
Our vision: ZSG will be the first Swiss shipping company to operate CO2-free.
Swisstainable
We are part of the sustainability program Swisstainable and classified at level I – committed. The sustainability program Swisstainable unites businesses and organizations along the entire Swiss tourism sector. With our participation, we commit ourselves to continuous sustainable business development, pursue measures in the field of sustainability and thus make a concrete contribution to a sustainable Swiss tourism.
Electricity fuels the future
In the summer of 2025, the fully electrified EMS Uetliberg was officially inaugurated.
This conversion is not only a first for the ZSG, but also a technological pioneering achievement: the EMS Uetliberg is equipped with the largest battery unit ever installed on a ship in Europe. Its 7’200 battery cells deliver a gross capacity of 3’550 kWh and power the 192-ton vessel through seven short lake cruises per day. Electrification saves around 113’000 liters of diesel annually, equivalent to 300 tons of CO2. The batteries are charged overnight at the shipyard in Zurich-Wollishofen using green electricity from the Zurich municipal utility (EWZ)
Gastronomy building
The revitalized gastronomy building was put into operation in March 2025. The installations and equipment of the production kitchen on the ground floor no longer met modern hygiene and energy standards and were partially renewed. The existing cooling system was replaced with a CO2 refrigeration system. The layout of the first floor was improved with an open-plan design and representative meeting and training rooms.
E-Limmatboats
At the start of the 2023 season, the three diesel-powered Limmat boats from 1992 and 1993 were replaced by three fully electric boats: «Fluvius», «Pontus», and «Navalis». The fully electric drive, powered by green electricity, reduces annual CO2 emissions by up to 100 tons. A retractable lift and longitudinal seat arrangement also make the boats accessible to wheelchair users.
Steamboats
In 2022 and 2023, the water treatment systems for the boiler water on both steamships were renewed. As a result, the frequency of descaling the boilers was significantly reduced, leading to substantial energy savings.
The steam turbine used for electricity generation and the outdated auxiliary diesel generator were also removed and replaced with two modern diesel generators.
The investments in the technical restoration of both steamships have enabled a significant reduction in consumption, cutting CO2 emissions by 30%.
Dockyard hall
Sustainability strategy
Since introducing its sustainability strategy in 2020, the ZSG has consistently pursued the goal of becoming the first shipping company in Switzerland to operate CO2-free. At the core of this strategy is reducing CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 compared with the base year 2019 – an ambitious interim milestone on the path to climate neutrality.
A lot has happened over the past three years: replacing the old Limmat boats cuts up to 100 tons of CO2 annually. Investments in the technical restoration of the steamships over the past two years have also enabled significant reductions in consumption (-30%). A comprehensive monitoring system based on the international Greenhouse Gas Protocol ensures that all emissions from shipping are recorded accurately. Current figures from the 2024 Sustainability Cockpit show that CO₂ emissions have already been reduced by around 875 tons compared to 2019 (-23%).
The electrification of the MS Uetliberg is part of the largest fleet investment in the history of the Lake Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG). By 2027, its sister ships MS Pfannenstiel and MS Albis will also be converted. This will achieve a CO2 reduction of over 1000 tons per year. The fleet concept envisions the gradual electrification of additional motor vessels by 2030.
