- GNV, part of the MSC Group, will strengthen its Italy–Morocco network by deploying newbuild ferries GNV AURORA and GNV VIRGO from summer 2026.
- The vessels will operate on the Genoa–Tangier Med route via Barcelona, with Barcelona serving as a transit hub.
- GNV AURORA will enter service on 1 June, followed by GNV VIRGO on 1 July.
- Both ships will operate weekly departures from Genoa, their homeport, with LNG bunkering scheduled every four days.
Passenger Demand and Marhaba Traffic
- The expanded service is aimed at growing passenger demand, particularly Moroccan citizens living in Europe travelling home during the annual Operation Marhaba summer migration.
- GNV said the new ships will improve capacity, comfort and schedule reliability on the route.
Freight Importance
- Tangier Med remains a strategic logistics gateway for North Africa and a growing hub for trade between Europe and Africa.
- The new vessels offer increased freight capacity and improved operational efficiency, supporting commercial flows between Italy and Morocco.
Vessel Specifications
- Capacity for more than 1,700 passengers.
- 426 cabins.
- Up to 2,780 lane metres of freight space.
Environmental Performance
- Both vessels are LNG-powered.
- GNV says CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 50% per unit of cargo carried compared with previous-generation ships.
- The ferries are also prepared for shore power (cold ironing), allowing zero direct emissions while in port.
Local Presence
- Operations in Morocco will be led by Carole Montarsolo, appointed Managing Director of GNV Morocco in October.
- Long-standing partner Mohammed Kabbaj will continue to support institutional and commercial relations.
