The Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt AG has been continuously listed on the stock exchange for longer than any other joint stock company in Germany. No other shipping company anywhere in the world has built and operated more ships than KD. It all began on 11th June 1826 in Cologne with the founding of the Preußisch-Rheinischen Steamship Company. The maiden voyage took place in 1827 with the wooden steamship Concordia. With this ship KD hailed in the age of Rhine shipping. The old photos show the steamship Concordia at the Hotel Rheineck landing stage in Bonn.
Today the Köln-Düsseldorfer is still market leader on the Rhine and at the same time leader in the development of new types of vessel. In 2004 MS RheinEnergie entered service – a revolutionary new ship’s concept in the form of a catamaran. On 18th August 2005 Pope Benedict XVI sailed on this ship into Cologne during his visit for World Youth Day and blessed the pilgrims lining the river banks.
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