Four huge and brand-new boats are berthed on the Danube, all preparing for Lake Balaton

Two ferries and two catamarans: a fleet development, announced the CEO of Balaton Shipping Ltd (BAHART). The arrival of the vessels will depend on the water level of the Sió Canal, which is in fact Lake Balaton, as the canal can be filled with water from the lake, but this is not yet feasible.

Gábor Veigl, CEO of BAHART, also commented on the programme and capacity expansion in the ZAOL Zala Vármegyei Hírportal podcast.

BAHART in the process of major ship development

Veigl said that the number of party boats departing from the ports of Keszthely and Balatongyörök will be increased, and even the Balaton fleet will be extended, as the company has ordered four brand new ships – two ferries and two catamarans – whose transport depends on the water level of the Sió Canal, i.e. indirectly on Lake Balaton, as they could fill the 120-kilometre-long waterway with the lake’s water, but this is not yet feasible. Read more details HERE: Lake Balaton to receive new, modern ferries and catamarans – PHOTOS

“We are very confident that even if they cannot come up in the spring, they will be here with us as soon as possible,” the CEO said of the arrival of the new vessels, adding that they are pleased with the abundant rainfall in recent months, which has allowed Lake Balaton to fill up continuously and is now close to its optimum water level.

Further developments

The conversation also revealed that the Balaton shipping company is continuing the image update it started in 2022, with a more modern, youthful image on the company’s website and in its port facilities.

As part of the improvements, scheduled ships have been revamped and since last year it has been possible to buy tickets online, avoiding long queues at ports.