Paddle Steamer Resources by Tramscape
The Internet's largest database of
mainly European Paddle Steamers past and present
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River
Vltava, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague
Passenger Shipping (Prazska Paroplavebni Spolecnost) -
PPS
|
|
The largest of the two remaining steam paddlers, "Vysehrad",
in Prague where locks and channels are used to allow passage through
the shallow river and its weirs.
Picture : courtesy of Nigel
Clark
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The operators of the two
remaining sidewheelers is the PPS, successor to the Prague operations
of the Prague City Transport Company, which took over the local fleet
of the Czech state Shipping Company (CPSL) in 1961. The company has
reverted to the name used until 1937 and little changed from that
used since its grounding in 1865.
The largest of a number of shipping companies established in Prague
in the wake of the liberalisation of the economy in the
post-Communist era, the PPS has operated a rather unpredictable
service of local cruises plus longer trips to the Slapy Dam, the
traditional destination of cruises from Prague. Recently, PPS has
operated a limited number of cruises northwards along the Vltava to
the confluence of the Vltava and Labe (Elbe) at Melnik.
Paddlers Vltava and Vysehrad (ex-Devin) have been restored. The
planned refurbishment of Vysehrad (III) stalled due to lack of funds
and the vessel, having lost its name to Devin, remains tied up and in
poor condition. PS Labe has been sold for further use in Germany.
A close cooperation agreement has now been signed with the second
largest local cruise firm, EVD (Europska vodni doprava) and the fleet
is marketed under the PPS-EVD banner. As well as four smaller motor
vessels to complement seven motor vessels in the PPS fleet, the EVD
also brought to the fleet the motor stern-wheel paddler Sumava, a
converted tug.
OPERATIONAL
PADDLE
STEAMERS
Vysehrad
Vltava
LAID UP PADDLE STEAMER
"Vysehrad"
(name now allocated to steamer above)
STERN WHEEL MOTOR PADDLER
Sumava
(EVD)
OTHER PPS-EVD Motor Vessels
PPS: Odra, Visla, Luznice,
Hamburg
EVD: Poseidon, Odyssea, Calypso, Kotva, Berounka, Praha
STERN WHEEL DIESEL PADDLER
ON THE VLTAVA
MV Tyrs, a former tug, is operated by Spolecnost
Bohemia (SB). Originally named Lipno when in the service of the
CSPLO, the vessel was rebuilt for passenger operation by the Brnak
yard at Decin in 1992. Originally in service between Decin and
Hrensko on the Labe (Elbe), she was moved to Prague in 1993 and
operates only on charter.
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Tramscape's aim is to make as much high quality photography as possible
available to paddle steamer enthusiasts and students whilst also trying to raise
awareness and as much money as possible for their continued operation. Special
interest is taken in capturing paddlers in as many and varied locations as possible.
The Swiss lakes, with their majestic scenery changing from every angle of view
are a particular favourite and form some of the most important parts of this
photographic record of these magnificent ships.
The database is also intended to provide the widest source of information available
on the internet on paddle steamers and steamer operations in Europe, past and
present. Links are provided to external sites where many of the subjects covered
can be researched further.
Raddampfer in Prag - Vapeurs
à roues à aubes
