Navigation, as part of VOEST, is in the history of the company a unique chapter. VOEST had at its disposal the following vessels: Linzertor, Wienertor, Kremsertor, Buntentor.

The beginning of Navigation
It began with the invention of the LD-steel production process which impresssed rapidly the steel producers worldwide. During the period between 1950 and 1970 the cost of freight for coal and iron ore fluctuated between 22 to 120 English Shillings per ton. In order to have better control of this expense General Manager Walter Hitzinger decided to build own vessels.

LD steel for ships
During this period of time there was a huge demand for steel plates to construct vessels. The management of VOEST believed that it might be a sound idea to develop a new grade of steel for shipbuilding based on the LD process.

Qualification in Linz
A qualification meeting took place in Linz from 11th to 14th of August 1953. The following qualifying companies participated:  Lloyds Register of Shipping, New York; Bureau Veritas, Paris; Det Norske Veritas, Oslo; Germanischer Lloyd, Berlin; Register Italiano Navale, Rome. The result of the examinations was that LD- steel was certified for the production of ship sheel plates without any restrictions. This was the green light for the production of steel plates for ship building made of LD- Steel. 

Foundation of a Navigation Company
The "ISTER-Reederei" was established as subsidiary of VÖEST. Shortly after, in January 1958, the construction of the first vessel was started in the Flensburger Shipyard.