A new marina has been built on the Swiss shore of Lake Maggiore, expanding boating access along a section of coastline that previously lacked sheltered port facilities. Known as the Port of Gambarogno, the development is located on the lake’s left bank in the canton of Ticino, where natural conditions have limited harbour construction.

The site lies in the Sass di Sciatt-San Nazzaro area of Alto Verbano, a less densely developed part of the shoreline. While the opposite bank of the lake supports a dense network of public and private ports, the Swiss left bank has had fewer facilities due to steep underwater slopes, deep water close to shore and regular changes in lake level.

The municipality of Gambarogno began work on the project in 2016, committing 19 million Swiss Francs (about $24 million USD) to create protected mooring capacity in the area. The project focuses on providing safe access for recreational boating and improving public access to the waterfront.

The marina provides berths for 280 vessels between eight and 20 metres in length. The layout includes 440 metres of floating pontoons, a central pier measuring 96 metres long and 137 mooring fingers installed on floating structures supplied by Ingemar.

According to technical information from Studio Sciarini of Vira Gambarogno, water depths of up to 100 metres near the breakwater line ruled out standard anchoring methods. Lake-level changes of up to six metres added further constraints.

To address these conditions, engineers introduced a suspended artificial lakebed system. Submerged steel lattice structures were fixed to the natural lakebed using micropiles. Vertical piles support the internal pontoons, while hinged arms connect the floating breakwaters to the anchoring system. As lake levels change, the floating elements adjust without manual handling.

The marina basin is sheltered by floating breakwaters built from reinforced concrete caissons. A total of 44 modules, each weighing around 80 tonnes, were assembled on the water after being built on land.

Around 1,000 tonnes of steel were placed to create the artificial lakebed, supported by more than 50 micropiles drilled into the lake floor. Within the basin, internal piers are fixed to the anchoring system.

Access from land to the floating structures is provided by a 24-metre aluminium gangway with a wooden deck. Curved and sliding walkways allow controlled movement between the pontoons, breakwaters and side arms as water levels change.

Onshore facilities include parking areas, service and accommodation buildings, and a public promenade. Stairs, ramps and walkways connect the marina with surrounding areas. These elements are currently being finalised.

The Port of Gambarogno is scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Images courtesy of Ingemar.