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70 years of MS Eisvogel: The icebreaker keeps Vienna's Danube basin open!
In 2023, the Port of Vienna will celebrate the 70th birthday of the icebreaker MS Eisvogel, which serves important tasks in winter traffic.
70 years of MS Eisvogel: The icebreaker keeps Vienna's Danube basin open!
Today the operations ship “MS Eisvogel” of the Port of Vienna celebrates a special milestone: its 70th birthday. Since it was commissioned in the Linz shipyard in 1955, the ship has been used as a multi-purpose ship that is not only used for breaking ice, but also as a recovery and fire-fighting ship and for guest trips. The port of Vienna, as the largest public Danube port in Austria, benefits from this versatile application, especially in the cold winter months.
The “MS Eisvogel” plays a crucial role in maintaining shipping during the cold season. At temperatures of minus six degrees, the harbor basins freeze over within a day, which illustrates the importance of the icebreaker. His efforts keep access to cargo ships at the quayside unhindered, while the ship can overcome heavy ice pressure with up to 12mm thick steel and 520hp of power. It can break ice up to 60 cm thick and has proven to be robust and reliable in the past, especially after a devastating smoldering fire in February 2017.
Port of Vienna: An important location
With an area of three million square meters and around 200 resident companies, the Port of Vienna is not only a central logistics hub, but also a significant employer in the region with up to 5,000 jobs. The connection to ships, trains and trucks as well as the proximity to Vienna-Schwechat Airport make it a strategic location for freight transport. The Danube is increasingly being viewed as a sustainable transport route, making the port one of Europe's most important hinterland hubs.
Recent challenges, highlighted by a once-in-a-century flood in September 2023, have prompted port leaders to take risk mitigation measures. This includes the flood protection system in the Albern harbor basin, which was reinforced with a heavy, 30 meter long protective gate. Such measures are essential to secure the port's infrastructure even in extreme situations.
Sustainability in focus
The Port of Vienna also pursues sustainable business activities. The fourth solar system was put into operation in 2023, covering 80% of the properties' electricity needs. A fifth facility will be built upon completion of the new film halls, and a sixth is planned for 2025. In addition, total energy consumption has been reduced by almost 8% since 2019, while CO2 emissions have been reduced by 16%.
These adjustments are part of a long-term strategy to position the port not only as an economic engine, but also as a leader in environmental awareness. The sustainable development of the port infrastructure fits harmoniously into the overall picture of a future-oriented company.
The “MS Eisvogel” and the Port of Vienna together impressively demonstrate how traditional shipping and modern, sustainable practices can coexist. Both are of central importance for the economy and environmental policy in Austria. Thanks to innovative approaches and constant development, the port remains a safe and efficient hub on the Danube.
For more information please visit the following links: Vienna.gv.at, TechWorldWay, BVL.at.