Tradition and innovation are the guiding principles behind the efforts being made to revitalise navigation on Italy’s major lakes.
Celebrating the cultural and historical heritage of lake navigation also means promoting the regions it serves. At the same time, expanding and modernising transport services ensures a more efficient, contemporary public service with tangible environmental benefits.
The measures already implemented fit within this framework, both in terms of personnel policies and investments.
A key prerequisite for reviving services has been the strengthening of staff numbers, authorised by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, resulting in hires planned at a steady rate of 40 employees per year until 2029.
On the investment side, key initiatives include the refittings of the Piemonte steamer, nearing completion on Lake Maggiore, and the upgrades of four ships and ferries in the fleet; as well as the launch of three newly built vessels (Ander, Agone, and Ambrosiana) equipped with hybrid propulsion systems. Three more vessels are expected to join the fleet over the next two years.
While these efforts are already substantial, the sector is aiming even higher in terms of planning with a ten-year industrial plan through 2035, setting a strategic vision for investments in fleet renewal, digital innovation, and streamlined operational processes.
