GNV Polaris, the first newly built vessel by GNV, the ferry company of the MSC Group, was unveiled last night at the port of Genoa. This marks a significant milestone in the fleet renewal plan, which is currently undergoing rapid development.
GNV Polaris launches in Genoa: innovation and comfort for a new concept of ferry travel
Without a doubt, passengers and drivers will enjoy an innovative and comfortable travel experience aboard the marvel that is GNV Polaris. This gem, capable of accommodating up to 1,500 passengers, is equipped with 239 cabins and offers a freight capacity of 3,100 linear meters, making it ideal for managing high-intensity routes such as Genoa-Palermo, on which it has been operating since January 7.
“GNV Polaris is not just a vessel; it is the symbol of our vision. This project represents an investment in the future, aiming to redefine the standards of quality and sustainability in our fleet and the maritime transport sector,” stated Matteo Catani, CEO of GNV.
He added: “We offer our passengers a unique travel experience, combining comfort, innovation, and respect for the environment. This is not only about modernizing our offer but positioning ourselves as pioneers in the Mediterranean in terms of operational efficiency and environmental impact reduction. With GNV Polaris and the three other units on the way, we are taking a step forward in our development, confirming our concrete commitment to more sustainable and responsible transport.”
The vessel offers a range of services designed to transform the journey into a pleasant and memorable experience, combining convenience, relaxation, and attention to detail: innovative dining space, Pizza and Steak House, exceptional hospitality, and advanced communication technologies.
“With GNV Polaris, we want to send a clear message: every moment of the travel experience on board has a fundamental value,” said Matteo Della Valle, GNV's Commercial Director.
“We paid great attention to defining the services offered. Our clientele is very diverse, and our goal is to grow with them by providing a modern, unique, and tailored experience, regardless of the reason for travel. We cater not only to passengers traveling for leisure, possibly to tourist destinations, but also to those using our services for business purposes, such as freight operators. GNV Polaris represents a step forward for each of them,” he added.
The ship, with a gross tonnage of 46,000 tons, a length of 218 meters, and a width of 29.60 meters, is designed to offer maximum energy efficiency and quality of services on board.
During the vessel's maiden voyage from China to Italy, GNV, in collaboration with RINA, conducted a study to monitor and optimize the energy and environmental performance of the new ship.
In 2025, the fleet will also welcome a second newly built unit: the GNV Orion. In recent days, the vessel has been completing technical sea trials, a crucial step before its delivery to the owner, scheduled for the spring.
Built at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China, the GNV Orion will have a gross tonnage of approximately 52,000 tons, a length of 218 meters, and a width of 29.60 meters, with a maximum speed of 25 knots.
GNV Orion is also designed to handle significant traffic volumes and will therefore be equipped with 433 cabins—almost twice as many as the GNV Polaris—with a capacity for 1,785 passengers and 3,100 linear meters of freight. GNV Orion will be deployed on routes to Sicily.
Subsequently, two additional new vessels, GNV Virgo and GNV Aurora, the company's first LNG-powered ships, will be completed, with deliveries scheduled for 2026.
