Naming Ceremony in Genoa for GNV ORION - the 26th Ship in next Generation Modern Fleet

Today, under the iconic “Lanterna” in Genoa, GNV Orion was officially named.

It is the 26th next-generation ferry of GNV, part of the MSC Group. Moored alongside its sister ship GNV Polaris, Orion is the second vessel delivered to the company as part of a fleet-wide modernization and expansion plan, which will see the arrival of six more next-generation, LNG-powered ferries by 2030.

“"Orion and Polaris mark the first decisive step in an important fleet renewal program—totaling eight new vessels compared to the current 26—which has required over 1 billion euros in investments. Within five years, a significant portion of the fleet will be completely renewed, with an increase of around 60% in tonnage. This is a remarkable figure that highlights the MSC Group's strong commitment not only to GNV, but to the entire Italian transport system, in which shipping plays a crucial role—particularly in maintaining connections with other countries.” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of GNV.

The traditional naming ceremony took place in the port of Genoa, the historic headquarters of the company and a symbolic location where it all began in 1992. Over the past few years, GNV has grown significantly from this base, increasing the number of vessels it operates by over 50% and expanding its market share. Today, the company operates 33 routes across 8 countries bordering the Mediterranean and is one of the leading ferry operators connecting Italy, Spain, and North Africa.

“Ferries are not just means of transport, but true strategic infrastructure capable of connecting regions and creating value for local communities. We feel a strong sense of responsibility for the social role we play as enablers of shared growth opportunities. Thanks to the support of the MSC Group, our plan includes the delivery of eight ferries by 2030, enabling us to further strengthen our market share both in Italy and internationally. If innovation is the driving force behind this excellence-oriented development plan, our people are its beating heart.” said Matteo Catani, CEO of GNV.

GNV Orion, moored between two other vessels of the fleet — the brand-new GNV Polaris and Splendid — was named by an exceptional godmother: Federica Pellegrini, Italy’s greatest swimmer, Olympic gold medalist in Beijing and four-time world champion. With her extraordinary talent and determination, she built a career marked by outstanding achievements, becoming one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of global swimming.

The highlights of the celebration were marked by the blaring horns of the three ships and the music performed by the Carlo Felice Opera House Orchestra of Genoa, accompanying key moments such as the traditional bottle breaking against the ship’s bow and the parade of GNV Orion’s officers.

The event was attended by representatives of local and national institutions, including Edoardo Rixi, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport; Marco Bucci, President of the Liguria Region; and Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa. Also present were key figures from the MSC Group, including Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman of GNV, and Matteo Catani, CEO of the ferry company.

GNV Orion: featuring the lastest Technologies and Passenger Comfort

Under the command of Salvatore Provenzano and with its 109 crew members, GNV Orion stands as a prime example of innovation and sustainability in the ferry sector. Built at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in Canton, China, GNV Orion has a gross tonnage of approximately 52,000 tons, a length of 218 meters, a beam of 29.60 meters, and can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots. Equipped with 433 cabins, the vessel can accommodate 1,700 passengers and offers 3,080 linear meters of cargo capacity, making it one of the most spacious and high-capacity ro-pax ships currently operating in the Mediterranean.

Like the other seven new vessels included in GNV’s fleet renewal plan, GNV Orion is equipped with advanced environmental technologies that allow it to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 30% per unit of transportable cargo compared to previous-generation ships. It is prepared for shore power connection (cold-ironing) and fitted with state-of-the-art systems, including advanced energy-efficiency technologies such as heat recovery systems, inverters to optimize electrical performance, full LED lighting, optimized hull, bulbous bow, propellers, and rudders, and silicone-based hull coating to minimize fuel consumption.

Onboard GNV Orion, both passengers and drivers can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey, thanks to a wide range of services designed to make the crossing a truly memorable experience—combining convenience, relax, and attention to detail. Every space is carefully designed to ensure functionality and maximum comfort for all types of passengers, with a cutting-edge hospitality model that includes dedicated spaces for every age group: from children’s play areas, which include after-dinner entertainment during high season, to relaxation zones for adults like the Seaview Lounge, and a retail area for onboard shopping. There are also dedicated spaces for pets.

All meals are freshly prepared onboard, with special attention given to menus and ingredient quality. The Market Place offers fresh dishes and live cooking shows for an excellent culinary experience. Food and beverage areas are further enhanced by the Pizza and Steak House—an evolution of the traditional Pizza Corner—which blends modern cuisine with Italian culinary tradition.

Finally, GNV Orion features advanced communication technologies, including high-speed Wi-Fi and digital signage, with Braille signage to ensure a fully inclusive and accessible experience for all.

Horizon 2030: 60% of new additional Tonnage for One of the Most Modern and Spacious Fleets in the Mediterranean

Following the delivery of GNV Polaris and GNV Orion, GNV’s fleet renewal and expansion plan foresees the addition of two more newly built vessels by early 2026:

GNV Virgo and GNV Aurora, both powered by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). These vessels will allow for a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions per unit of transportable cargo compared to previous-generation ships.

They will be followed by four additional LNG-powered ro-pax vessels, bringing the total to eight new ferries by 2030, all equipped with cutting-edge environmental technologies. Construction of this second series of ships is set to begin in 2026, with the first vessel expected for delivery in early 2028, followed by the others at six-month intervals.

These upcoming vessels will have a gross tonnage of approximately 71,300 tons, a length of 237 meters, a beam of 33 meters, and will be able to accommodate up to 2,500 people (including passengers and crew). They will feature over 500 cabins and offer 3,500 linear meters of garage space. In terms of size, these will be the largest ships in the company’s history and the highest-capacity vessels operating in the Mediterranean.