Civil Navigation (1960–2000)

The Age of Speed: Lake Como Navigation (1960–2000)

1960s: The Rise of Ferries and Hydrofoils

Modern logistics and speed became the new priority for the Lake Como fleet:

• The Spluga Ferry (Feb 25, 1961): A major advancement in vehicle transport, launched to streamline car travel across the central lake area.
• First Hydrofoil (Aug 15, 1964): The Freccia del Lario arrived from Venice, launching the first high-speed service on the Como – Bellagio – Menaggio line.
• Fleet Expansion (1969): Five years later, a second hydrofoil, the Freccia delle Azalee, joined the service to meet increasing demand.

The 1970s: Restoration and High Capacity

While looking toward the future, this decade also focused on preserving the lake's elegant maritime heritage:

• Classic Restorations (1970): The motor ship Alessandro Volta and the historic steamship Patria returned to the water after extensive and refined restoration work.
• The Garden Series (1974–1976): Two more hydrofoils, the Freccia delle Betulle and the Freccia delle Gardenie, entered the fleet.
• The Super-Hydrofoil (1980): The massive Freccia delle Valli was launched, boasting a 200-seat capacity and redefining high-speed lake transit.

1980s – 1990s: Technological Renewal

Under the tireless leadership of Engineer Pietro Santini, the Lake Como fleet underwent a total modernization:

• The Stendhal Catamaran (Mar 10, 1990): A new era of stability and efficiency began with the launch of the catamaran Stendhal, celebrated by local officials and renowned transportation historian Professor Francesco Ogliari.
• Modern Additions: The fleet was further strengthened with the Città di Como series of catamarans and the heavy-duty Stelvio series ferries.

The Fleet Today

By the turn of the millennium, the Lake Como fleet had become a diverse mix of history and cutting-edge engineering:

• Historic Steamship: The Concordia remains the crown jewel of the lake's heritage.
• Motor Ships: 10 vessels, including the classic Milano, the Volta, and the Fiori and Promessi Sposi series.
• High-Speed Craft: A mix of catamarans, 5 Uccelli series speedboats, and 4 specialized hydrofoils (including the Freccia dei Gerani).
• The Ferry Backbone: 6 large ferries, including the Plinio, Lario, and Adda, ensuring seamless vehicle transport for residents and visitors alike.