Four New RoPax Ships Ordered by MSC from GSI for GNV
Sources familiar with the matter told Ferry Shipping News that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has ordered two new RoPax ferries—plus options for two more—from Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China for its subsidiary GNV.
These four new dual-fuel LNG vessels, set for delivery from 2027 onwards, will be sister ships to GNV VIRGO and GNV AURORA. Each will be 218 metres long and nearly 30 metres wide, with a gross tonnage of 52,300. They will have a maximum speed of 25 knots, over 420 cabins, the capacity to accommodate up to 1,785 passengers, and 2,780 lane metres of RoRo cargo.
Each newbuild is expected to cost more than EUR 150 million. The vessels will be financed by MSC and subsequently transferred to GNV under bareboat charter agreements.
The Aponte-controlled ferry company has already taken delivery of GNV POLARIS from GSI, with GNV ORION, GNV VIRGO, and GNV AURORA due to follow in the coming months
