Italian Shipping Company GNV Orders Four LNG-Powered RoPax Ships
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), an Italian shipping company, has recently made a significant move in the maritime industry by placing an order for four new LNG-powered RoPax ships at the Guangzhou Shipbuilding International (GSI) shipyard in China.
The contract with GSI entails the construction of these vessels starting in 2026, with the first units expected to be delivered by 2028. These new ships are designed to run on LNG, a cleaner fuel alternative, and are projected to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 50% per unit compared to their predecessors, as stated by GNV.
These state-of-the-art ships will have a capacity to accommodate 2,500 passengers, over 500 cabins, and 3,500 linear meters of garage space. With a tonnage of 71,300 tons, they will be the largest of their kind in the Mediterranean region.
GNV’s latest order signifies a step forward in its fleet expansion plans, as the company aims to add eight new units between 2025 and 2030. These newly ordered vessels will represent an evolution from previous models like GNV Polaris and GNV Orion.
In line with its commitment to modernizing its fleet, GNV has recently partnered with RINA to implement machine learning and predictive models to optimize energy consumption and fuel efficiency on its vessels. The 2024-built GNV Polaris was the first to undergo testing of RINA’s SERTICA Performance tool, which proved successful in identifying optimal operating scenarios for fuel efficiency.
Through the use of predictive models, GNV was able to achieve lower specific fuel consumption rates and establish benchmarks for future operations. This innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with the company’s sustainability goals.
With the introduction of these LNG-powered RoPax ships and the adoption of advanced technologies for fuel optimization, GNV is poised to set new standards in the maritime industry, reaffirming its position as a leader in sustainable shipping practices.