New ferry flap in Königswinter: Increasing efficiency on the Rhine!

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Königswinter: Conversion of the ferry saves time

In the past two years, the team of the Rheinfächre Königswinter, led by Michael Birk, has intensively worked on optimizing the operation of the ferry in 1996. With an innovative solution, the efficiency of the ferry was significantly increased: a third flap was installed, which significantly improves access for vehicles both when loading and unloading.

This innovation reduces the necessary route and the associated times by around a third and also saves about 20 percent of energy. Birk emphasizes that this improvement benefits both the company and the users, since the ferry can now be operated faster and more efficiently. The ferry "Königswinter IV", which is 46 meters long and 20 meters wide, had two flaps previously on the same side and required a complicated turning maneuver.

Optimization of the operating sequence

By installing the third flap, the ferry can now optimally use its position with the flow of the Rhine. In the past, the ship first had to drive against the current and then turn to load passengers and vehicles on the other side. Now the ferry can use the electricity, which not only shortens the transport times, but also simplifies the company. Up to nine cars are loaded onto the ferry per tour, with the use of the two "old" flaps if the traffic is higher to increase the capacity to up to 40 cars per trip.

technological progress for increasing efficiency

To make the instructions easier for the drivers, the Rhine ferry plans to install an LED display that shows the drivers how they best position their cars on the ferry. This measure is intended to help every driver find a place and the process runs smoothly. The recent investments in the new flap are also an answer to the growing energy prices and the need to operate more sustainably.

When asked about alternative drive techniques, Birk said that the conversion of the entire drive system would be time and costly and that the company would not be able to take the ferry out of operation for several months. The former diesel technology has already been replaced by GTL fuel, and the ship remains in excellent condition.

A component of the regional infrastructure

The ferry stands for an important infrastructure and transports around 800 cars over the Rhine every day, while additional pedestrians and cyclists are added on weekends. Rheinfächre Königswinter GmbH has existed for 125 years now, whose roots go back to the 15th century. This tradition is still cultivated today, which makes the ferry to an important part of the regional transport connections.