World debut of ship pellet heating system in Austria

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a stylish design, the tourist ship MS Mondseeland restarted to operate after a general overhaul in spring 2022. It offers round trips to the sights of lake Mondsee and culinary excursions. The new pellet heating system for heat generation and hot water support can also be found on board.

The challenges for the general renovation were extensive: the limited space in the hull and the narrow accesses required a very compact system that allowed for all individual adjustments to the existing and new ship technology and the desired buffer storage. The pellet boiler of Hargassner “Nano-PK” with 12.2 kW met all requirements. Together with a Hargassner buffer tank and a pellet storage tank, this ensures a significant improvement in the ecological footprint of the ship.

The Hargassner team installed the compact pellet boiler in the machine room.

“In the past, the panorama cabin could never be properly heated. Even when wearing a thick jacket, it was rather uncomfortable for the up to 50 passengers in winter. With the new heater and efficient insulation, we manage to achieve a 10 degrees higher average temperature in the cabin. We forecast CO₂ savings of seven to eight tons per year. And we do so with cheaper fuel,” says Christoph Buchbauer from Schifffahrt Meindl GmbH, the operator of the ship MS Mondseeland.

The nano pellet boiler had to go through small hatches to the lower deck.

The Nano-PK took up only 0,45 m² of space. Hargassner heating technicians managed to bring the compact boiler in through the narrow entrances and install it on the lower deck. The modern design in white clearly sets it apart from the classic “cellar heaters”. When used normally in a family home, its appearance blends in with technical rooms or niches in a visually appealing way. The fully automatic operation (ignition, ash removal, cleaning, etc.) brings maximum comfort from the very first day of heating. The weekly storage tank filled with pellets in sacks guarantees the MS Mondseeland a reliable supply of fuel with longer filling intervals and at the same time a sensible dose of additional weight.

The captains Franz Meindl (left) and Karl Kinast are happy to have a sustainably heated wheelhouse.