On October 23, the MSC/GNV1800 luxurious dual-fuel Ro-Pax ferry "GNV VIRGO" was named and delivered in Guangzhou Nansha by Guangzhou Shipyard International, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). This modern green ferry was custom-built for Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), the passenger ferry operator under the globally leading transport and logistics company MSC.
Guangzhou Shipyard International has signed orders for a total of four luxury Ro-Pax ferries in this series with MSC's GNV, with the first vessel, "GNV POLARIS," already delivered in October 2024. The second vessel, "GNV ORION," is set to be delivered in April 2025. "GNV VIRGO" is the third vessel in this series and is also the first dual-fuel Ro-Pax ferry independently developed and designed by Guangzhou Shipyard International.
This latest vessel builds upon the two earlier models with further optimizations, increasing the number of cabins from 298 in the first vessel to 485, and raising the passenger capacity from 1500 to 1800. Furthermore, "GNV VIRGO" features an upgraded LNG dual-fuel propulsion system, enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The vessel, which has complete independent intellectual property rights, measures 218 meters in length, 29.6 meters in beam, and has a depth of 10 meters. It is designed to have a draft of 6.45 meters, a gross tonnage of about 52,900 tons, and a deadweight tonnage of around 8,000 tons, with a designed cruising speed of 25 knots.
Equipped with 12 decks, the ship includes amenities such as a buffet restaurant, café, observation lounge, pizzeria, duty-free shop, aviation seating area, children's play area, and an open-air bar. It has seven elevators for efficient circulation and a 2,800-meter lane capable of carrying over 550 cars or 150 40-foot container trailers.
The propulsion system consists of four 9-cylinder medium-speed dual-fuel diesel engines, achieving a cruising speed of 25 knots at 83.5% of rated power, with a range of 3,300 nautical miles. It is also equipped with a low-pressure SCR denitrification system that meets the IMO Tier III nitrogen emissions standards and the “Green Plus” symbol requirements of the Italian Classification Society (RINA).
The ship uses domestically produced steam turbine generator sets (900kW) to recover waste heat from the main engine, significantly enhancing energy efficiency. Noise levels in living areas are below 55 decibels during full-speed navigation, and public areas are below 60 decibels, complying with RINA's vibration and noise comfort standards.
Additionally, the bottom of the vessel is coated with 7,200 square meters of a new organic silicone antifouling paint that reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. It also features isolation wards and quarantine zones, with an air conditioning system that has received a "BIOSAFE" biological safety certification. All interior materials on the ship are 100% domestically sourced.