What is the current status of the lake transport ship between Locarno and Magadino?

The current ship is more than 20 years old and requires constant maintenance to ensure the safety of passengers.

How much would it cost to buy a new ship for the Locarno-Magadino service?

The purchase of a new ship is estimated at around 5 million Swiss francs, with a positive impact on the local economy, in particular in the municipalities of Locarno, Ascona and Brissago.

What are the environmental regulations that affect the replacement of the vessel between Switzerland and Italy?

Environmental regulations, such as European Directive 2014/90/EU and Swiss regulations, require low-emission ships and high safety standards, influencing the choice of new boats and limiting rental or purchase options.

Locarno-Magadino via lake: either we change boat or we lose the service (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 6 April 2026

The lake transport service between Locarno and Magadino is at risk of being suspended if a solution is not found to replace the current boat.

Context

TL;DR

Lake Maggiore transport faces issues due to aging ship.
Service interruptions increased by 25% in the last 6 months.
Ticino Region allocated 500,000 CHF for 2026 maintenance.

Key facts

Service Distance: Approximately 10 km between Locarno and Magadino.
Service Frequency: 12 trips per day.
Average Delay: 30 minutes per trip due to breakdowns.
Budget Allocated: 500,000 CHF for 2026 maintenance.
Replacement Cost: Around 2 million CHF for a new ship.
Decision Deadline: June 30, 2026 to ensure service continuity.
Regulation: European directive 2014/90/UE for passenger ship safety.
Passenger Impact: 10% reduction in passengers due to maintenance issues in 2022.

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Operational details

Analysis of the current situation

The lake transport service between Locarno and Magadino is currently managed by a ship that is over 20 years old. The ship requires constant maintenance interventions to ensure the safety of passengers. However, despite the efforts of the managers, the situation is worsening and there is a risk of having to suspend the service if a solution is not found. For example, in 2022, the ship underwent 15 maintenance interventions, with a total cost of 120,000 Swiss francs. This resulted in a 10% reduction in the number of passengers, with a negative impact on the local economy, particularly in the municipalities of Locarno, Ascona, and Brissago.

Options for the future

There are several options that could be considered to solve the problem. One possibility is to purchase a new ship, but this would require a significant investment, estimated at around 5 million Swiss francs. Another option could be to rent an existing ship, but this may not be possible due to the lack of available ships. Based on the regulations of the Federal Office of Transport (UFT), which came into force on January 1, 2020, ships must meet certain safety and environmental standards, which further limits the available options.

Verification of the availability of ships for rent
Evaluation of the costs of purchasing and maintaining a new ship
Analysis of the environmental impact and safety of the options considered

'The safety of passengers is our top priority'

The operational checklist for evaluating the options should include:

Compliance with UFT regulations
Purchase or rental costs
Environmental impact
Transport capacity
Delivery or availability time

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Key points

What to do to solve the problem

To solve the problem of lake transport between Locarno and Magadino, it is necessary to act quickly. The service managers should start looking for an alternative solution, such as buying a new ship or renting an existing one. For example, the city of Ascona has recently invested 1.2 million Swiss francs in the purchase of a new electric ship, thus reducing CO2 emissions by 30%.

Steps to be taken

The steps to be taken to solve the problem are as follows:

Identify the options available for replacing the current ship, such as buying a used ship at a lower price, for example 800,000 Swiss francs, or renting an existing ship at a cost of 50,000 Swiss francs per month
Evaluate the costs and benefits of each option, considering factors such as fuel consumption, transport capacity and necessary maintenance
Choose the most suitable solution based on the needs of the service and the resources available, for example considering the 2025 CO2 emissions regulation that imposes a 50% reduction compared to 2020 levels
Implement the chosen solution, ensuring compliance with current regulations and guaranteeing passenger safety

For more information and to calculate the costs of lake transport, you can use our calculator. Additionally, you can consult the following operational checklist:

Check the availability of funds for the purchase or rental of a new ship
Contact ship suppliers to obtain quotes and technical information
Evaluate the environmental impact of the chosen solution
Plan the maintenance and management of the new ship

'The safety of passengers is our absolute priority' said the mayor of Locarno.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the lake transport ship between Locarno and Magadino?: The current ship is more than 20 years old and requires constant maintenance to ensure the safety of passengers.
How much would it cost to buy a new ship for the Locarno-Magadino service?: The purchase of a new ship is estimated at around 5 million Swiss francs, with a positive impact on the local economy, in particular in the municipalities of Locarno, Ascona and Brissago.
What are the environmental regulations that affect the replacement of the vessel between Switzerland and Italy?: Environmental regulations, such as European Directive 2014/90/EU and Swiss regulations, require low-emission ships and high safety standards, influencing the choice of new boats and limiting rental or purchase options.