United Waterways Expands Floating Venues Portfolio in Switzerland with Acquisition of Basler Personenschifffahrt AG

Published on January 8, 2026

A significant development within Switzerland’s river tourism and event cruising sector has been marked by the approval of United Waterways acquiring Basler Personenschifffahrt AG (BPG). With the decision ratified by the Grand Council of the canton of Basel-Stadt, a new chapter has been opened for passenger shipping on the Rhine in Basel. The acquisition has been positioned as a strategic expansion of United Waterways’ Floating Venues division, reinforcing the company’s presence in Europe while strengthening Basel’s role as a destination for water-based events and excursions. By integrating BPG, United Waterways is set to add three established vessels to its portfolio and introduce Basel alongside existing event locations such as London, Amsterdam, Cologne, and Dresden. The move reflects a broader vision aimed at sustainable tourism growth, enhanced visitor experiences, and long-term investment in environmentally friendly maritime solutions. With deep roots in Basel and a stated commitment to collaboration with regional tourism partners, the acquisition has been framed as both a commercial milestone and a cultural investment in one of Switzerland’s most historic river cities.

Strategic Approval and Transition in Basel-Stadt

The transfer of Basler Personenschifffahrt AG to United Waterways has been formally approved by the Grand Council of the canton of Basel-Stadt, ensuring a smooth and transparent transition of ownership. This decision has been regarded as a vital step in safeguarding the future of passenger shipping on the Rhine within the city of Basel. Through this approval, continuity in operations has been secured while opening the door to modernization and strategic reinvestment. The process has been designed to respect existing structures, allowing the established workforce of BPG to remain integral to daily operations during and after the transition phase.

The coming months have been earmarked for careful preparation, with integration plans being developed to align BPG’s operations with United Waterways’ broader Floating Venues strategy. Collaboration with local tourism authorities and regional stakeholders has been highlighted as central to this phase, ensuring that Basel’s river experiences remain authentic while evolving to meet contemporary expectations of travelers and event organizers.

Expansion of the Floating Venues Division

With this acquisition, United Waterways has expanded its Floating Venues division through the addition of three event and excursion ships, reinforcing its position as a leading operator of water-based hospitality venues across Europe. Basel has now been formally added to a growing network of river cities where curated onboard experiences are offered, complementing existing operations in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany.

This expansion has been framed as a natural progression for a company headquartered in Basel, where the Rhine has long played a central role in urban life and tourism. By incorporating BPG into its portfolio, United Waterways has strengthened its ability to deliver large-scale events, private charters, and sightseeing excursions tailored to both domestic and international visitors traveling through Switzerland.

Basel as a Key Destination for River Tourism

Basel’s position at the crossroads of Switzerland, France, and Germany has long made it a cultural and logistical hub. The Rhine, flowing directly through the city, has been a defining feature of its identity. With the integration of BPG, renewed emphasis has been placed on leveraging the river as a stage for tourism, culture, and events.

The development of new attractions on the water has been identified as a priority, with offerings expected to appeal to leisure travelers, corporate groups, and local residents alike. By working closely with tourism partners across Basel and the surrounding region, the expanded operation is expected to contribute to destination marketing efforts, positioning Basel as a vibrant stop for river-based experiences in Switzerland.

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

A strong focus has been placed on future-oriented investments, particularly in the area of environmentally friendly ship propulsion systems. From 2027 onward, a significantly greater presence on the Rhine has been planned, supported by innovative formats designed to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Sustainable development has been embedded into the long-term strategy for BPG under United Waterways’ ownership. By modernizing propulsion technologies and optimizing fleet operations, efforts are expected to align with Switzerland’s broader environmental goals while enhancing the overall passenger experience. These initiatives are intended to ensure that river tourism in Basel continues to thrive without compromising ecological standards.

The Existing Fleet and Its Capabilities

The current BPG fleet has been retained as a cornerstone of operations, consisting of two prominent vessels that are well known within Switzerland’s river cruising landscape. The Rhystärn, serving as the flagship ship, offers a capacity of up to 600 passengers and has been widely used for large events, celebrations, and sightseeing cruises along the Rhine. Its scale and versatility have made it a defining presence on Basel’s waterfront.

Complementing the flagship is the Christoph Merian, a vessel capable of carrying 500 passengers. This ship has traditionally been used for excursions and special events, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Together, these vessels have formed the backbone of BPG’s offerings, and their continued operation has been positioned as essential to maintaining continuity during the transition.

Future Prospects for Basler Dybli

Although the traditional Basler Dybli was removed from the 2026 sailing schedule at the end of 2025, the new management has expressed an intention to explore new opportunities for this popular concept within Basel. While no immediate reinstatement has been confirmed, possibilities are being evaluated to reintroduce or reimagine the Basler Dybli in a way that aligns with contemporary tourism trends and operational sustainability.

This approach reflects a broader philosophy of respecting local traditions while adapting them for future audiences. By assessing market demand and operational feasibility, the aim has been to ensure that any revival of the Basler Dybli contributes positively to Basel’s tourism ecosystem.

Economic and Cultural Significance for Switzerland

The acquisition has been widely regarded as an investment not only in river transport but also in Basel’s cultural and economic fabric. Passenger shipping on the Rhine has historically been intertwined with the city’s identity, serving as both a practical mode of transport and a symbol of its openness to the world.

By strengthening BPG economically and integrating it into a larger European network, United Waterways has positioned Basel to benefit from increased visibility among international travelers. The resulting growth in event tourism and leisure cruising is expected to support local businesses, hospitality providers, and cultural institutions across Switzerland.

Integration and Long-Term Vision

As integration efforts move forward, emphasis has been placed on collaboration, sustainability, and innovation. The existing BPG team has been recognized as central to achieving these goals, with their local knowledge and operational expertise forming the foundation for future success.

Through careful planning and partnership with tourism stakeholders, the sustainable development of products and the fleet has been prioritized. This long-term vision has been designed to ensure that river cruising in Basel remains resilient, competitive, and aligned with Switzerland’s reputation for quality and environmental stewardship.