About the Company

  • Country of Origin: Luxembourg (Headquartered in Wasserbillig).
  • Areas of Activity:
    • Passenger Shipping Operations: Serving as the primary vessel-operating entity for the famous Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) brand.
    • River Cruises & Excursions: Managing the technical and nautical operations of a fleet that navigates the Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers.
    • Event & Hotel Ships: Operating modern event vessels (e.g., MS RheinMagie) and floating hotel ships used for trade fairs and overnight event cruises.
  • History Notes:
    • KD Europe S.à r.l. is a specialized subsidiary of the historic Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt GmbH (KD), a company with nearly 200 years of history (founded in 1826).
    • The Luxembourg entity was established to centralize ship management and operational efficiency under the European maritime framework, while the parent company remains based in Cologne, Germany.
    • The company oversees a unique and diverse fleet, ranging from the nostalgic 1913 paddle steamer RMS Goethe to ultra-modern, battery-hybrid event ships like the MS RheinGalaxie.
    • In 2024, the group’s operations (including the Luxembourg arm) were recognized for their sustainability efforts, receiving an ESG bronze medal for their transition toward greener inland waterway transport.

Additional Information