Frankfurt-based shipping company looks back on a stable 2025 financial year – new event formats and technical modernisation shape the outlook
Frankfurt-based Primus-Linie increased its turnover by around six per cent in the 2025 financial year, looking back on a stable year. As the company announced on Thursday, the distribution of revenues remained virtually constant: 44 per cent came from regular scheduled trips, including round trips and day trips, and 15 per cent from event trips. The charter trip segment, which accounted for 41 per cent of total revenue, grew by ten per cent, proving to be the strongest growth driver.
At the same time, there was a certain reluctance to spend: catering sales for rentals fell slightly by two per cent. According to the company, this reflects increasing budget sensitivity at corporate and private events.
Popular classics and new crowd pullers
The range of scheduled trips remained stable overall. The newly designed "Sunset X Skyline Tour", which now takes place during the blue hour instead of in complete darkness, was particularly successful. According to Primus-Linie, the revised concept made the trip a crowd puller once again. The "Riversight Dinner" also recovered from the previous year's figures.
Due to the weather, after-work trips in Mainz and Wiesbaden were weaker, declining by around seven per cent in June and July, while Frankfurt continued to be regularly fully booked. Classic events such as the Oktoberfest on board, the Rheingau afternoon cruise and the summer BBQ were once again in high demand. A particular highlight of the year was once again the "Winter Magic" on the Main, which attracted numerous guests during the cold season with its festively decorated ships and atmospheric catering. The popular "Winter Magic" on the Main, which attracted numerous guests during the cold season with its festively decorated ships and atmospheric catering.u0022>"Winter Magic" on the Main, which attracted numerous guests during the cold season with its festively decorated ships and atmospheric catering. The popular format will also be in winter 2025/26, from 22 November to 13 December 2025, with an expanded offering and new themed culinary evenings on board.
A special premiere was celebrated in 2025 with the cooperation with the Frankfurt Opera: the "Opera to go" format, in which 100 guests were entertained with music on board, proved to be a complete success and is to be continued on two dates in 2026. The Butterfahrt in cooperation with the Frankfurt Literaturhaus also took place three times for the first time. New to the programme this year is the Halloween party, which will feature actors from the series Burg Falkenstein.
Dr Marie Nauheimer – Managing Director of Primus-Linie | © Primus Linie, photographer Ralf Werner
Investments in technology and sustainability
In addition to its range of events, the shipping company is also focusing on technical modernisation and ecological efficiency. For example, the shore power supply at the Frankfurt berths is currently being upgraded to enable a lower-emission energy supply in the future.
In addition, the ship "Nautilus" received two new Caterpillar generators worth around £200,000 to meet the increasing demand for electricity on board more efficiently. Further investments are planned for the coming winter: the Maria Sibylla Merian will receive refurbished generators, and the Wappen von Frankfurt will go into the shipyard. The aim is to continuously improve comfort, environmental friendliness and technical reliability.
Stable course with new impetus
For 2026, Primus Line has announced the continuation of proven formats as well as new event offerings. In addition to "Opera to go" and the Butterfahrt, the Halloween party will also become a permanent fixture in the programme. With the completion of the shore power supply and modernised generators, the fleet will be operated even more efficiently and sustainably.
"We are delighted that we were able to inspire our guests with exciting trips and special events in 2025," said Marie Nauheimer, Managing Director of Primus-Linie. "In 2026, we want to continue this success story with new experiences, a more sustainable fleet and even more unforgettable moments on the Main."
Traditional company with a modern fleet
Primus-Linie is considered the largest and most modern shipping company in Hesse. Its history dates back to 1880. The fleet of five ships – including the "Nautilus", the "Maria Sibylla Merian" and the "Wappen von Frankfurt" – operates regularly between Frankfurt, Mainz, Wiesbaden, Rüdesheim, Seligenstadt and Aschaffenburg.
More than 230,000 passengers use the company's services every year. It employs around 40 full-time staff, with a similar number of seasonal workers joining them during the peak season.
