The company has also announced that it has formalised a three-year strategic partnership (2027-2029) with the Office National Marocain du Tourisme (ONMT). 

At the seventh edition of the GNV Awards, held in Marrakech, the ferry company MSC Group announced that it had transported a total of approximately 2.2 million passengers and 1.84 million linear metres between January and September this year, recording growth of 2% and 5%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2025. 'The data confirm a positive trend and progressive growth in volumes over the medium term, despite an increasingly complex market environment characterised by differing demand and dynamics in individual trades,' the statement read.

North Africa continues to perform well in terms of passenger volumes

Matteo Catani's shipping line notes that North Africa continues to perform well in terms of passenger volumes. Algeria, in particular, is consolidating the results achieved in the last year of operations, while Morocco and Tunisia are performing essentially in line with expectations for 2025. The overall trend confirms the company's growing presence in North African markets, with positive passenger and freight performances on connections to the Italian islands, with Sicily recording 8% growth and Sardinia growing by 6%. Volumes for the Balearic Islands and Albania also remained essentially stable," reports GNV.

Related: New GNV Polaris ferry arrived in Naples from China for MSC

Support GNV's growth in the Moroccan market

The company has also announced that it has formalised a three-year strategic partnership (2027-2029) with the Office National Marocain du Tourisme (ONMT). The aim of this partnership is to support GNV's growth in the Moroccan market. The agreement aims to strengthen maritime connections and passenger flows between Morocco and Europe, while also promoting the country as a tourist destination and a strategic mobility hub in the Mediterranean. Planned joint initiatives include integrated communication campaigns on GNV and ONMT channels in key European markets and travel options combining maritime crossings with Moroccan tourism offerings, aimed at both European travellers and the diaspora residing in Europe. GNV also explains that the collaboration includes support for its institutional initiatives and events in the region, as part of a shared path with national tourism stakeholders to enhance Morocco's role as a gateway between Europe and Africa.

Related: GNV has taken delivery of the new Orion ferry

The names of the four new ships 

At the same time, GNV revealed the names of the four new ships that will be joining its fleet: GNV Jupiter, GNV Mars, GNV Venus and GNV Mercury — four new vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Following its star-themed series of ships (Polaris, Orion, Virgo and Aurora), GNV is introducing a new family of names inspired by the planets to accompany the next generation of its fleet.

GNV Jupiter is the first of four new vessels currently being built at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in Guangzhou, China. The 2,500-passenger vessel will have 3,500 linear metres of cargo space and 500 cabins. It is expected to join the fleet by the end of 2027.

Morocco is one of the most dynamic and strategic markets for GNV 

"Morocco is one of the most dynamic and strategic markets for GNV right now, and the partnership with the Moroccan National Tourism Office is a natural step in the growth path we're building together with local institutions and partners. Maritime connections play a vital role in promoting mobility, tourism and economic exchange between the two shores of the Mediterranean, and we intend to continue investing to strengthen this role,' said Matteo Catani, CEO of GNV. 'At the same time,' he concluded, 'we are continuing our major fleet renewal and expansion plan, of which the announcement of the GNV Jupiter represents a new milestone. This is the first of four new vessels that will join the fleet in the coming years, helping to strengthen the company's entire network and confirming our commitment to quality service, innovation and international development.'

Source: Sipping Italy

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