Grandi Navi Veloci has unveiled the GNV Polaris, a new chapter in sustainable maritime transport.
“The Polaris is a symbol of our vision” 
The Polaris is the first of four newly built ships at the Guangzhou Shipyard International. The Polaris is a landmark point in time for GNV’s fleet renewal plan which is currently under full steam. “The Polaris is not just a ship; it is the symbol of our vision,” says Matteo Catani, CEO of GNV, the ferry company of the MSC Group.
The Polaris is the first of four new ships
“This project is an investment in the future aimed at redefining the standards of quality and sustainability in our fleet and in the maritime transport sector. We offer passengers a travel experience that blends comfort, innovation and a deep respect for the environment. With the Polaris and the three other ships which are on the way, we are taking a major step forward in our development, confirming our concrete commitment to more sustainable and responsible transport.
The new ship will reduce CO2 emissions by 30%
The new ship can boast high environmental standards which will reduce CO2 emissions by 30% compared to the craft currently in the fleet. During its maiden voyage from China to Italy GNV conducted a study in cooperation with RINA to monitor and optimize Polaris’ energy and environmental performance. The results will be presented at the end of January at the technical conference organized by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects Managing CII and Associated Challenges 2025 at the Imo headquarters in London.
Three more ships are due for delivery this year
“We have carefully defined the services we provide,- adds Matteo Della Valle, GNV's chief commercial officer. – Not only are we targeting passengers travelling for pleasure, perhaps to tourist destinations, but also those who use our services for professional reasons, such as cargo operators. The Polaris is a step forward for everyone.” The second ship under construction, the GNV Orion is now undergoing technical trials and will be delivered by spring, while for the other two new units, the GNV Virgo and GNV Aurora, the company's first to be powered by LNG, deliveries are planned by the end of next year.
The Seaview Lounge and Pizza and Steak House
On board the Polaris passengers and drivers with cars will enjoy an innovative travel experience thanks to a wide range of services. The innovative food & beverage area has a panoramic Seaview Lounge and a Marketplace for cooking shows. The Pizza and Steak House is an evolution of the classic pizza corner, combining trendy dishes and traditional Italian cuisine, and there are state-of-the-art hospitality areas designed for every need, from digital play areas dedicated to children to pet-friendly zones.
The Polaris has 239 cabins and ample cargo capacity
The new ship also has advanced communication technologies, including stable and fast Wifi and, thanks to digital and braille signage, the Polaris offers an inclusive experience, ensuring effective communication and accessibility. The ship has a gross tonnage of 46,000 tonnes, is 715 feet long and 97 feet wide, and can accommodate up to 1,500 passengers. It also has 239 cabins, and over 10,000 linear feet of cargo capacity which is ideal for handling flows on high-intensity routes such as the Genoa-Palermo.
