Kossuth

Kossuth, originally named Ferencz Ferdinánd főherczeg, is a Hungarian paddle steamer built in 1913, one of the few such vessels preserved for posterity. It is currently moored in Budapest as the Kossuth Museum Ship, a prominently important object and exhibition site of the Transport Museum, and a restaurant also operates on it.

History

Kossuth was built in 1913 at the Ganz and Társa-Danubius Electrical, Mechanical, Wagon and Shipyard in Újpest for the Magyar Királyi Folyam- és Tengerhajózási Rt. Its original name came from Prince Ferenc Ferdinánd (1863–1914), the then heir to the Austro‑Hungarian throne (archaically written Ferencz Ferdinánd főherczeg). In 1919 it was renamed Rigóvá, in 1930 Leányfalva. Between 1944 and 1946 it was kept in Austria. In 1953 the Újpest Ship Repair Workshop rebuilt it, and in 1955 it was renamed again after Lajos Kossuth, becoming Kossuth.

After 65 years of service it was withdrawn from traffic in 1978. Unlike many old steamboats, it was not scrapped but the Ganz Danubius Ship and Crane Factory in the Óbuda plant renovated it again. It did not return to service, but in 1984 it was entered among the objects of the Transport Museum. Since 1985 it has been anchored at point 2 of the Vigadó Square ship station, the oldest pier in Budapest, next to the Pest quay. In addition to museum functions (a maritime history exhibition was set up) a restaurant (Vénhajó Étterem) also operates on it.

The operators of the ship run a separate website concerning Kossuth, on which the following can be read regarding its current function:

"The 114‑year‑old monument Kossuth ship is the only vessel of its original form that has survived in steam‑powered Hungary. On its deck numerous interesting relics of navigation can be found, such as the vehicle’s completely preserved steam engine and paddle wheel, as well as the steam‑driven steering gear. In the exhibition, alongside the former shipping companies’ ceremonial uniforms and decorative swords, there are also nautical relics such as the command‑signal telegraph. The turn‑of‑the‑century atmosphere is recreated by a cabin furnished with period furniture. The Transport Museum’s intention is to draw attention to this unique museum ship with this exhibition and, according to their plans, with future programmes to be realized here."