FRS Group expands Rhine presence and unifies brand identity

FerryThe FRS Group has announced the acquisition of the Lorch–Niederheimbach ferry service, its third expansion in the Middle Rhine region within 13 months. Alongside this growth, the company is launching a major strategic rebranding in 2026, merging its Weiße Flotte and Reederei Hiddensee subsidiaries under the unified FRS Weiße Flotte name to streamline its international identity.

Regional expansion: strengthening the Rhine network

By acquiring the long-standing Schnaas GmbH (operating since 1892), FRS now controls three critical ferry links in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This latest addition is strategically vital due to its shallow-draught vessel, which ensures reliable transport between Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate even during periods of extreme low water. Former owner Michael Schnaas confirmed that all employees will be retained as the service transitions to FRS management.

Strategic rebranding: a unified future

Starting in 2026, the FRS Group will retire several independent brand names—including Reederei Hiddensee, Reederei Zingst, and Reederei Kipp—to operate under the FRS Weiße Flotte banner. CEO Götz Becker noted that while the new brand highlights their status as an internationally positioned group, the regional roots and service quality will remain unchanged. This shift follows successful similar rebrandings in the Rhine and Sylt regions.

jan 29 2026