Italian ferry operator GNV, part of the MSC Group, has taken delivery of its second LNG-fuelled vessel, GNV Aurora, at the yard of Guangzhou Shipyard International on 29 January.

The ship is scheduled to enter service in early April on the Genoa–Palermo route and marks the completion of the first phase of GNV’s fleet renewal programme.

GNV Aurora is a sister vessel to GNV Virgo and has been designed to cut CO₂ emissions by up to 50% per transported load compared with earlier-generation ferries, according to the operator.

The vessel is also fitted for cold ironing, allowing connection to shore-side electricity while in port to reduce local emissions and noise. GNV said the feature supports its wider environmental strategy as ports across the Mediterranean expand shore power infrastructure.

A new livery featuring a green leaf and a stylised electrical plug has been introduced on the vessel to reflect the company’s sustainability focus.

The handover ceremony was attended by representatives from GSI, the MSC Group and a GNV delegation led by Franco Domenico Fabrizio, general counsel and head of legal claims and insurance, with Gina Giusto, head of retail at GNV, acting as the vessel’s sponsor.

With the first renewal phase now complete, GNV has confirmed orders for four additional LNG-powered vessels, with deliveries expected to begin from late 2027.