On 16 April 2025, Grandi Navi Veloci, part of the Msc group, announced that it had received the new ro-pax ferry Gnv Orion at the Guangzhou Shipyard International. This is the second vessel in a series of four next-generation ferries, which form a key component of the group’s fleet renewal and expansion strategy. The ship is ready to set sail for the Mediterranean to undergo final outfitting ahead of entering service, scheduled before the end of June.
With a gross tonnage of approximately 52,000 tonnes, a length of 218 metres and a beam of nearly 30 metres, Gnv Orion can reach speeds of up to 25 knots and accommodate up to 1,700 passengers in 433 cabins. On the freight side, the ship can carry up to 3,080 linear metres of rolling cargo, responding to the growing demand for greater efficiency in maritime logistics.
The investment in Gnv Orion marks not only a technological advancement over existing vessels—such as the Gnv Polaris, to which it offers around 200 additional cabins—but also a concrete step towards more sustainable shipping. The vessel is designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 30 percent per tonne transported compared to current fleet standards.
Among its most noteworthy environmental features is its readiness for cold ironing. The ro-pax vessel is also equipped with advanced emission reduction systems, including exhaust gas cleaning systems (Egcs) and selective catalytic reduction (Scr) units, compliant with the strict Imo Tier III regulations on nitrogen oxide emissions.
Gnv Orion’s efficiency is further reflected in its wide range of energy-saving technologies. These include systems for heat recovery through turbo-generators, the use of inverters to reduce the electrical load of pumps and fans, led lighting throughout the vessel, and a carefully engineered hydrodynamic design. The latter includes optimised hull, bulb, propellers and rudders, as well as special silicon-based paints that reduce friction and therefore lower the fuel consumption required for propulsion.
The delivery ceremony was held in the presence of representatives from the Chinese shipyard Gsi, Gnv, and the Msc group, highlighting the international scope of the project. The arrival of Gnv Orion follows the course set by the first ship in this new generation, Gnv Polaris, and marks another milestone in the company’s long-term industrial strategy: to renew the fleet, increase operational capacity and reduce environmental impact, in line with the sustainability goals of the European maritime sector. Its introduction in the Mediterranean will enable the company to better manage seasonal peaks and offer higher standards of service for both passengers and freight. Two additional sister ships are expected in the coming months.
