GNV expands Morocco routes with two new ferries
Grandi Navi Veloci has reinforced its maritime network linking Europe and Morocco by deploying two of its newest LNG-powered vessels on key Mediterranean routes. The move comes ahead of the summer travel peak linked to the annual operation facilitating mobility for millions of Moroccan residents in Europe between June and mid-September.
The two sister ships, named GNV Aurora and GNV Virgo, operate on the Genoa, Barcelona, and Tangier Med corridor. Both entered service in early June and early July and form part of a broader fleet renewal plan worth 1.3 billion euros. The investment aims to add eight new ferries by 2030, strengthening capacity on high-demand routes across the Mediterranean.
Each vessel has a gross tonnage of around 53,000 tonnes, measures 218 meters in length, and can reach speeds of up to 25 knots. The ships can carry up to 1,700 passengers across 426 cabins and transport 2,780 linear meters of freight, equivalent to about 600 vehicles. Their liquefied natural gas propulsion reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50 percent per transported load compared with older ships.
The deployment aligns with rising passenger flows between Europe and Morocco and growing demand for maritime connectivity. The operator has transported around six million passengers on Moroccan routes over two decades, including more than 465,000 in 2025. The company also employs around 250 Moroccan staff across its operations, reflecting its long-term presence in the market.
The initiative supports broader transport and tourism strategies linked to Morocco’s ambition to strengthen maritime links ahead of major international events, including the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by the country. It also coincides with a rise in Italian tourist arrivals, which exceeded one million visitors in 2025, with a significant share traveling by sea.
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