The motor ship Altenrhein celebrates its return to Lake Constance on 1 May. The historic escort boat of the legendary Do X will be presented to the public at a roll-out ceremony in Friedrichshafen-Seemoos. Built in 1927 at the Bodan shipyard in Kressbronn, the ship played an important role in the early history of the Dornier company and accompanied the Do X flying boat on its maiden flight on 12 July 1929.
Rediscovery and restoration of the MS Altenrhein
The existence of the motorised ship was forgotten for a long time. Only an e-mail with the subject "The Altenrhein is stranded and looking for a new adventure" brought the memory of this part of Dornier's history back to Lake Constance. Over the next five years, the ship was extensively restored. Historical photographs by the Dornier factory photographer Karl Alfred Ziegler and the original construction description served as the basis for a restoration that was as true to the original as possible.
New role as a passenger ship
Now that the restoration work has been completed, the ship is once again afloat and will soon be operating as a passenger boat. David Dornier, grandson of aircraft pioneer Claude Dornier and owner of the ship, has handed it over on loan to the newly founded "Förderverein Motorschiff Altenrhein" for passenger operation. This means that an important piece of aviation and shipping history on Lake Constance can now be experienced by the public.
Historical significance
The Altenrhein motor vessel was closely linked to the history of the Do X. It not only served as an escort boat on the maiden flight, but also took on a variety of tasks in the following years as a passenger transport boat, tugboat and workboat. The Altenrhein was also involved in the last flight of the Do X on Lake Constance for the transfer to Travemünde on 14 October 1934, bringing crew and passengers to the airship.
The return of the MS Altenrhein
The restoration of the motor vessel Altenrhein took place in the hall of the Michelsen shipyard in Friedrichshafen-Seemoos. Under the direction of shipyard manager Karsten Timmerherm, the boat was restored step by step to its original condition and made floatable again. Thanks to the historical documents available, many details were reconstructed true to the original.
With the return of the motorised boat to Lake Constance, a fascinating chapter in the region's aviation and shipping history is being brought back to life. Interested parties will soon be able to experience the historic boat for themselves. Information on the start of passenger operations and ticket sales can be found on the Website published.
Facts worth knowing
- Year of construction: 1927
- Shipyard: Bodan shipyard, Kressbronn
- Intended use: Motorboat for flight service
- Operator: Dornier Werke Altenrhein AG (originally)
- Period of restoration: over 5 years
- Location: Shipyard hall of the Michelsen shipyard, Friedrichshafen-Seemoos
About Dornier
Dornier was founded by Claude Dornier and is one of the pioneers of the German aviation industry. The company developed innovative aeroplanes such as the Do X, the largest flying boat in the world at the time. Today, the Dornier tradition is part of the Airbus Group. The restoration of the motorised ship Altenrhein by David Dornier, the grandson of the company founder, builds on this important legacy.
