Museum Ship Icebreaker „Wal"

An active museum ship of the special kind with an impressive steam-powered engine.

The steam-powered icebreaker „Wal” was commissioned in 1938 for service as an icebreaker on the Kiel Kanal. In the 60ties the combustion was switched from coal to oil. The reason for the switch was the broken boilers, which could not be repaired. And that is why the decision was made, by the former WSM Rendsburg, to switch to the lighter heating oil, which was cheaper at the time. Reason: Less manpower is required than on a ship fired by coal and it is more environment-friendly. In any case oil firing is free of soot. In the year 1990, the steamer set sail for Bremerhaven where it was restored within a year and modified in important areas. A crew of volunteers endeavors successfully not only to maintain the steamer with its attractive and interesting fittings and furnishings in the engine-room, nautical area and living quarters, but also to offer shorter and longer trips where friends of traditional shipping can witness what an old steamship has to offer. The steam-powered icebreaker „Wal” makes trips all year long. Destinations include the Weser, Heligoland, the Hamburger Hafengeburtstag, the Kieler Woche, as well as various maritime festivals along the North Sea and Baltic coasts.