GNV, the ferry company of the MSC Group,before took delivery at the Guangzhou Shipyard International in China (which is also building some container ships for the Swiss group, including the 16,500 TEU MSC Gioia Tauro, to be delivered in the autumn) of the second ship in the series of four new latest-generation units: GNV Orion.

The traditional delivery ceremony was attended by the main representatives of the shipyard, a delegation of the MSC Group and GNV.

 The final fittings before entering service

The ship will soon leave for the Mediterranean to complete the final fittings before entering service scheduled for the end of June. With a gross tonnage of approximately 52,000 tons, a length of 218 meters, a width of 29.60 meters and a maximum speed of 25 knots, GNV Orion will be able to accommodate 1,700 passengers in 433 cabins and transport up to 3,080 linear meters of cargo.

GNV Orion

GNV Orion has high environmental standards that will allow a reduction in CO2 emissions of over 30% per transportable load compared to other units currently in the fleet and represents an evolution of the GNV Polaris compared to which it offers passengers approximately 200 more cabins, contributing to the strengthening of the company’s network, improving the management of seasonal peaks and reducing the environmental impact.

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

Like all four new units under construction

Like all four new units under construction, the ship is set up for cold ironing, a technology that allows connection to the electricity grid at the dock, significantly reducing emissions and improving the quality of the air and the local noise environment. It is also equipped with advanced emission reduction systems, including exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR), compliant with IMO Tier III requirements,” explained a note from the company.

Related : Delivers first of four ro-pax ferries built in China to MSC by January

Further energy-saving features

Further energy-saving features are also present on board, such as: heat recycling technologies using a turbo-alternator; use of inverters to optimise the electrical load of pumps and fans; use of LED lights on the entire lighting system; optimisation of the shapes of the hull, bulb, propellers and rudders, and application of silicone paint on the hull in order to minimise the fuel consumption required for propulsion according to Shipping Italy

Entry into the Algerian market

On the other hand GNV  has announced its strategic entry into the Algerian market — what was expected and has now been confirmed. This move further strengthens the company’s presence in the Maghreb region and expands its international service offering in the Mediterranean.

The Company will add two weekly connections to Algeria to its 2025 schedule, starting from June 3 and until September 30 : Sète – Algiers and Sète – Bejaia , with a weekly frequency.

About GNV

Founded in 1992, GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci SpA) is today one of the leading shipping companies in the passenger and freight transport sector. With a fleet of 26 ships and 33 routes, it connects 8 countries: Italy, Spain, France, Albania, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Malta.

Part of the MSC Group, GNV is pursuing an ambitious growth plan, supported by a strategic vision focused on innovation, sustainability, and fleet renewal.

Alongside passenger services, GNV has historically promoted the development of the Motorways of the Sea, supporting more sustainable mobility. Maritime freight transport offers an efficient and competitive alternative to road transport, helping reduce road congestion and environmental impact, in line with the company's commitment to increasingly responsible and environmentally conscious logistics solutions.

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