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1920

Simplon

The giant of the Belle Époque fleet, equipped with the most powerful steam engine in Europe!
Help renovate the Simplon boat
Length
73.5 meters
Power
1381 kW
Capacity
850 people
Propulsion
Steam machine

Complete renovation of the "Simplon"

The CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) identified the need for a complete restoration of the "Simplon" and its engine well before the storm of March 30, 2024, which forced its shutdown. Although the "Simplon" survived, it sustained additional damage, which will be covered by insurance. The independent investigation conducted following this incident enabled the CGN to take all necessary measures to prevent such an event from recurring. It is therefore urgent to renovate the Simplon, which has been out of service since 2024, for two reasons: firstly, to restore and preserve its heritage value as closely as possible to its original appearance; secondly, a complete renovation is essential to return it to service on Lake Geneva. Estimated at CHF 25 million, the cost of such a renovation is significant and cannot be achieved without the support of everyone – private donors, philanthropic foundations, businesses, and public authorities. A preliminary plan is underway and will allow for a more precise detailing of the required work and associated budgets, with a view to starting the complete restoration of the boat as early as 2027.
Together, let's ensure that "Simplon" continues to be the heartbeat of Lake Geneva for the next hundred years.
Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet

The 2nd class lounge

This area historically accommodated 2nd class customers.
CHF 4,000,000

The bow propeller

Auxiliary propulsion system located at the front of the boat.
CHF 4,000,000

Shell

Complete restoration: stripping, inspection and replacement of sheet metal.
CHF 4,000,000

The 2nd class lounge

This area historically accommodated 2nd class customers.
CHF 4,000,000

The bow propeller

Auxiliary propulsion system located at the front of the boat.
CHF 4,000,000

Shell

Complete restoration: stripping, inspection and replacement of sheet metal.
CHF 4,000,000
His history

A century-long life on Lake Geneva

1914 - 1915

A birth hindered by war

Ordered in 1914 from Sulzer Frères in Winterthur, the "Simplon" saw its construction abruptly interrupted by the outbreak of the First World War just days after the laying of its first steel plate. Despite the conflict, work slowly resumed and the engine was installed in 1915, representing an exceptional technical feat: for the first time, the machinery was fitted even before the hull was completed.
1915 - 1920

The post-war completion

After another work stoppage, the CGN decided at the end of the war to complete the construction of this imposing steamship. It was finally put into service in 1920, becoming the first vessel in the Belle Époque fleet to adopt the classic 19th-century layout: boiler at the stern and engine room at the bow. This feature gave it a distinctive silhouette, with its funnel positioned away from the wheelhouse, breaking with the style of the ships built between 1904 and 1914.
1920 - 1940

The first decades of service

The "Simplon" plyes Lake Geneva, notably undertaking the legendary Geneva-Bouveret-Geneva "great race," consuming up to eight tons of coal per day. With its imposing silhouette and its engine, reputed to be the most powerful on all European lakes, it quickly becomes a favorite with crews and passengers alike. In 1924, it is equipped with a searchlight for night service, and its upper deck is covered with an aluminum roof.
1940 - 1959

Consolidation and adaptation

During this period, the "Simplon" continued its regular service on the lake, establishing itself as one of the cornerstones of the CGN fleet. Its robustness and powerful engine allowed it to maintain service even in challenging weather conditions. The boat weathered these years without major modifications, retaining its original coal-fired boiler.
1959 - 1968

Technical modernization

In 1959, the "Simplon" marked a technological turning point by becoming the first CGN steamship to switch to oil-fired boilers, thus abandoning the coal era. This transformation significantly improved energy efficiency and working conditions for the engineers. In 1968, the boilers were completely replaced and the ship underwent major modifications: the installation of two additional watertight bulkheads, the fitting of a 27-liter fuel tank, and the replacement of the manual wheelhouse with an electro-hydraulic system.
1968 - 2003

Modernization and gradual decline

The ship's capacity was reduced to 1 passengers (from 000) for safety reasons. The glazing on the upper deck and the wheelhouse's silhouette were modernized. In 1600, radar was installed. However, by the early 1980s, despite its iconic status, the "Simplon" was only sailing occasionally and showing worrying signs of age. The furnishings, galley, and navigation equipment were in critical condition.
2003

The life-saving explosion

On August 16, 2003, in the harbor of Geneva, human error during the ignition of a burner caused the complete destruction of the port boiler's firebox and severely damaged the funnel. Paradoxically, this accident became the catalyst for its survival and that of the entire Belle Époque fleet. The ABVL, founded a year earlier, mobilized and achieved the remarkable feat of raising 100,000 francs in less than four weeks.
2003 - 2005

First Renaissance

The newly formed ABVL raised nearly 2 million Swiss francs in 18 months. The CGN contributed an equivalent amount. Starting in May 2004, major work was undertaken: the damaged boiler was refurbished, navigation equipment was improved, and some of the interior furnishings were restored. The "Simplon" returned to Lake Geneva in July 2005 during memorable celebrations in Lausanne and Geneva, marking the first partial renovation of a historic vessel.
2008 - 2011

Second major intervention

In 2008, cracks appeared on both pistons of the engine, necessitating another shutdown in August 2009. A complete overhaul of the steam engine was undertaken between September 2009 and May 2011, including the installation of bow thrusters that significantly improved maneuverability. On June 9, 2011, the Belle Époque fleet, of which the "Simplon" is a part, was classified as a national historical monument with a rating of 1.
2011 - 2020

A decade of sailing

The "Simplon" has resumed service with a fully overhauled engine, offering passengers the experience of Europe's most powerful and responsive steam engine. The vessel continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide, impressing with its power and ability to reach speeds of 30 km/h. Regular maintenance work is carried out, including a complete sandblasting and repainting of the hull during the winter of 2017-2018.
2020 - 2021

The centenary and final works

In September 2020, the "Simplon" celebrated its centenary in grand style with a festive weekend celebrating the Belle Époque era. During the winter of 2020-2021, the paddlewheel shafts were replaced, causing a delay in its return to service, which finally took place in September 2021. The ship continues to operate its cruises successfully despite the restrictions related to the pandemic.
2024

The Cully incident

On March 28, 2024, during a test run, an engine failure immobilized the boat. Caught in a violent storm during the night of March 29-30 while moored in Cully, the "Simplon" sustained serious damage. Its hull was damaged along its entire length, and the rudder was also damaged. More than 50 firefighters, police officers, and CGN employees worked in shifts throughout the night to keep it afloat. It was towed the following day to the Ouchy shipyard.
2024 - Today

Awaiting complete restoration

The "Simplon" is currently at the CGN shipyard in Lausanne, awaiting its complete restoration by 2030, which had already been planned before the incident.

"Simplon" The resilient giant of Lake Geneva

Born amidst the turmoil of the Great War, the "Simplon" embodies tenacity and power. Commissioned in 1914 from the Sulzer Frères shipyards in Winterthur, this majestic steamer saw its construction interrupted by mobilization, its engine installed in 1915 even before the hull was finished. It was only in 1920, after the end of the conflict, that it reached the waters of Lake Geneva. Of the same dimensions as the flagship "La Suisse", the "Simplon" impresses with its distinctive silhouette—its aft-mounted funnel resulting from the inverted arrangement of its engine—and the responsive power of its mechanics, renowned as one of the most potent in Europe. Having survived the 2003 explosion that triggered a mobilization to save the entire fleet, and subsequently two partial renovations, the "Simplon" now awaits its complete restoration. Designated a "Historic Monument" in 2011, this imposing steamer remains a favorite among enthusiasts.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The inverted machine-boiler arrangement

A uniquely distinctive silhouette

The "Simplon" broke with the tradition established by the five previous ships of the Belle Époque fleet. For the first time since 1914, the CGN decided to reposition the engine at the bow and the boiler at the stern, thus returning to the classic 19th-century layout. This technical feature gave the "Simplon" its recognizable silhouette, with its funnel set far from the wheelhouse. Unlike its predecessors whose engine "pushes" the boat, that of the "Simplon" "pulls" it, offering exceptional responsiveness.

The most powerful steam engine in Europe

Responsive and legendary mechanical heart

Built by Sulzer Frères in 1915, even before the hull was completed, the steam engine of the "Simplon" developed 1400 horsepower (1030 kW). Renowned as the most powerful on all European lakes and the most responsive in the Belle Époque fleet, it allowed the "Simplon" to reach speeds of 30 km/h. This exceptional machine, completely overhauled between 2010 and 2011, continues to fascinate enthusiasts with its rhythmic movements visible from the main deck, a living testament to the mechanical ingenuity of the early 20th century.

The neoclassical living room in moiré maple

The last masterpiece of the cabinetmaker Bobaing

The first-class lounge of the "Simplon" is a jewel of neoclassical art, adorned with Louis XVI woodwork and furnishings in exquisitely tasteful moiré white maple. It is the last work supplied for a ship by the renowned Lausanne cabinetmaker Henry Bobaing, who had already designed the sumptuous interiors of "La Suisse" exceptional furniture, produced in the Bobaing workshops in Lausanne, testifies to the aesthetic ambition of the CGN which, even after the First World War, did not renounce the elegance and refinement of the Belle Époque.

These Iconic Details That Make the Legend

The inverted machine-boiler arrangement

A uniquely distinctive silhouette

The "Simplon" broke with the tradition established by the five previous ships of the Belle Époque fleet. For the first time since 1914, the CGN decided to reposition the engine at the bow and the boiler at the stern, thus returning to the classic 19th-century layout. This technical feature gave the "Simplon" its recognizable silhouette, with its funnel set far from the wheelhouse. Unlike its predecessors whose engine "pushes" the boat, that of the "Simplon" "pulls" it, offering exceptional responsiveness.

The most powerful steam engine in Europe

Responsive and legendary mechanical heart

Built by Sulzer Frères in 1915, even before the hull was completed, the steam engine of the "Simplon" developed 1400 horsepower (1030 kW). Renowned as the most powerful on all European lakes and the most responsive in the Belle Époque fleet, it allowed the "Simplon" to reach speeds of 30 km/h. This exceptional machine, completely overhauled between 2010 and 2011, continues to fascinate enthusiasts with its rhythmic movements visible from the main deck, a living testament to the mechanical ingenuity of the early 20th century.

The neoclassical living room in moiré maple

The last masterpiece of the cabinetmaker Bobaing

The first-class lounge of the "Simplon" is a jewel of neoclassical art, adorned with Louis XVI woodwork and furnishings in exquisitely tasteful moiré white maple. It is the last work supplied for a ship by the renowned Lausanne cabinetmaker Henry Bobaing, who had already designed the sumptuous interiors of "La Suisse" exceptional furniture, produced in the Bobaing workshops in Lausanne, testifies to the aesthetic ambition of the CGN which, even after the First World War, did not renounce the elegance and refinement of the Belle Époque.

The revival of a heritage

Two successive rescues

The eight boats in the CGN's Belle Époque fleet possess a unique heritage and tourism value. The renovation of each one requires specialized expertise, both technical and in terms of heritage preservation. This translates to a cost of between 20 and 30 million Swiss francs per boat for a complete renovation.

Between August 2003 and July 2005, the boat "Simplon" benefited from a first partial renovation following the life-saving explosion that marked the beginning of the mobilization to save the entire Belle Époque fleet.

On August 16, 2003, in the harbor of Geneva, a serious breakdown in the boiler room rendered the "Simplon" unusable. The newly formed ABVL, established just a year earlier, mobilized and achieved the remarkable feat of raising nearly 2 million Swiss francs in 18 months. The CGN contributed an equivalent amount to this effort. The work undertaken from May 2004 onwards included the refurbishment of the damaged boiler, the improvement of navigation equipment, and the restoration of some of the interior furnishings.

Between September 2009 and May 2011, following the discovery of cracks on the pistons, the "Simplon" underwent a second partial renovation focused on its legendary steam engine.
The work consisted primarily of a complete overhaul of the steam engine, reputed to be the most powerful and responsive in Europe, as well as the installation of bow thrusters to significantly improve the ship's maneuverability. The exterior was completely repainted during this work, and the hull was sandblasted. The paddlewheel shafts also had to be replaced during the winter of 2020-2021.

The main steps of these interventions were as follows: boiler repair and retubing, complete overhaul of the steam engine, replacement of outdated equipment, installation of modern operating systems, sandblasting and complete painting of the hull, and replacement of the paddle wheel shafts.

Technical upgrades during partial renovations

Beyond the emergency repair of the boiler and steam engine, the two partial renovations of the "Simplon" incorporated major technical improvements: the installation of bow thrusters during the second intervention (2010-2011) for better maneuverability, complete sandblasting and exterior painting of the hull, as well as the replacement of the paddle wheel shafts during the winter of 2020-2021. These interventions, mostly invisible to passengers, have allowed the ship to remain in service for two more decades while preserving its historical authenticity, pending the complete restoration that will allow it to regain all its original splendor.

The 2nd class lounge

This area historically accommodated 2nd class customers.
CHF 4,000,000

The bow propeller

Auxiliary propulsion system located at the front of the boat.
CHF 4,000,000

Shell

Complete restoration: stripping, inspection and replacement of sheet metal.
CHF 4,000,000

The upper deck

A space for walking and panoramic observation.
CHF 4,000,000

The 1st Class lounge

A key piece of Simplon's heritage.
CHF 4,000,000

Paddlewheels

Having become irreparable, they will be entirely rebuilt according to the original plans.
CHF 4,000,000

The smoking room

It will be rebuilt according to the original plans.
CHF 500'000

The rudder

The steering gear and navigation instruments will be replaced.
CHF 300'000

The chimney

An iconic element of the steamship.
CHF 450'000

The 2nd class lounge

This area historically accommodated 2nd class customers.
CHF 4,000,000

The bow propeller

Auxiliary propulsion system located at the front of the boat.
CHF 4,000,000

Shell

Complete restoration: stripping, inspection and replacement of sheet metal.
CHF 4,000,000
Supporting the Belle Époque Fleet
The boats
Helvétie
Simplon
Savoie
Vevey
Italie
Rhone
La Suisse
Montreux

The Belle Époque Fleet

Heritage & Know-how

Navigation & Schedule