On October 23, Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, delivered the 1800 passenger/2800-lane metre luxury ro-ro ferry “GNV·VIRGO” to its client. The vessel is a modern, large, green, dual-fuel luxury ro-ro ferry custom-built for Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), the passenger ferry operator under global transportation and logistics leader MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. Following delivery, the vessel will operate on the route between Genoa, Italy, and Palermo.
This vessel is a large export Ro-Pax vessel independently developed, designed, and constructed by GSI, featuring fully proprietary intellectual property rights. With an overall length of 218 meters, a beam of 29.6 meters, a gross tonnage of approximately 52,900 tons, and a deadweight of about 8,000 tons, it is designed for a service speed of 25 knots.
The vessel features 12 decks and is equipped with facilities including a buffet restaurant, coffee shop, observation lounge, pizzeria, duty-free shop, airline seating area, children’s play area, and open-air bar. Seven elevators ensure efficient movement throughout the vessel. Its 2,800-meter vehicle deck can accommodate over 550 cars or 150 40-foot container trailers.
The GNV VIRGO’s power system utilizes four nine-cylinder, medium-speed, dual-fuel diesel engines, achieving a speed of 25 knots at 83.5% of rated power and a cruising range of 3,300 nautical miles. Equipped with a low-pressure SCR denitrification system, it meets IMO Tier III nitrogen emissions standards and the RINA’s “Green Plus” notation. The vessel is equipped with a domestically produced 900kW steam turbine generator set that recycles waste heat from the main engine, significantly improving energy efficiency.
Additionally, the vessel complies with RINA’s “COMF-VIB-B” vibration and “COMF-NOISE-B” noise comfort standards. The hull is coated with 7,200 square meters of new silicone antifouling paint, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Separate isolation wards and quarantine zones are provided, with the air conditioning system certified under the “BIOSAFE” biosafety classification. All interior materials are 100% domestically sourced.
It is understood that GSI has signed a contract with Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), the passenger ferry operator under MSC, for the construction of four luxury Ro-Pax vessels of the same series. The lead vessel, GNV POLARIS, entered service in October 2024. The second vessel, GNV ORIENTUS, was delivered in April 2025. GNV VIRGO is the third vessel in the series and marks GSI’s first independently designed dual-fuel Ro-Pax vessel.
This vessel has been further optimized and upgraded based on the previous two vessels. The number of cabins has increased from 298 onboard to 485, and the passenger capacity has increased from 1,500 to 1,800. Concurrently, the GNV·VIRGO has undergone an LNG dual-fuel propulsion system upgrade while maintaining its original hull design, enhancing its energy efficiency and environmental performance.
This newly named vessel marks the tenth vessel delivered by GSI to MSC, including seven 16,000 TEU container ships. Looking ahead, GSI looks forward to opening new chapters of collaboration with MSC.