Here is a professional, neutral and journalistic translation into English, respecting an informative news style:
The Port of Palermo hosted last night the christening ceremony of the GNV Virgo, the new vessel of the shipping company GNV, the first unit of its fleet and the first Italian long-distance ferry powered by liquefied natural gas, an event presented as emblematic within the company’s fleet renewal program planned through 2030, reflecting a strategic shift toward more sustainable maritime transport solutions.
According to information provided by the company, the entry into service of the GNV Virgo represents a significant step forward in reducing the carbon footprint of passenger and freight maritime transport, with the vessel described as a benchmark in environmental innovation, as the use of liquefied natural gas is said to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around fifty percent per transported unit compared to previous-generation ships.
The choice of Palermo as the host city for the event reflects the historical relationship between GNV and the city, as the Genoa–Palermo route marked the company’s first operational axis, with several recent vessels deployed there in recent years, including the GNV Polaris and the GNV Orion, ahead of the arrival of the GNV Virgo, designed to operate on liquefied natural gas with the stated aim of reducing environmental impact and improving maritime transport performance.
From a technical standpoint, the new ferry is equipped with advanced environmental systems, including shore-side electricity connection readiness during port calls and heat recovery systems, while complying with International Maritime Organization IMO Tier III standards and EEDI Phase II requirements, the vessel features a gross tonnage of approximately 52,300 tons, a length of 218 meters, a beam of 29.60 meters, a maximum speed of 25 knots, more than 420 cabins, accommodation for 1,785 passengers and a cargo capacity of 2,770 linear meters.
The ceremony took place in the presence of national and local institutional officials as well as representatives of the MSC Group, to which GNV belongs, and was held on the port quay in close proximity to the vessel, specially illuminated for the occasion, the event being hosted by Italian actor Giuseppe Fiorello, with the participation of the ship’s official godmother Federica Pellegrini, Olympic and world swimming champion, alongside an artistic performance by étoile dancer Eleonora Abbagnato.
In official statements, the President of GNV emphasized that the christening of the GNV Virgo marks a key milestone in the fleet renewal and emissions reduction program, noting that the vessel was recently fueled with biological liquefied natural gas, allowing it to sail with net-zero emissions for a limited period, a performance presented as ahead of announced European targets and achieved through cooperation between the company, the MSC Group and institutional and port stakeholders.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer stated that the entry into service of this vessel represents a pivotal moment for GNV and for Italian maritime transport, reaffirming the central role of Sicily in the group’s investment strategy, while stressing the importance of adapting port infrastructure and operational spaces to ensure service quality and competitiveness.
The GNV Virgo forms part of a broader fleet renewal program that предусматривает the delivery of eight next-generation vessels by 2030, three of which are already in operation, with the upcoming arrival of the GNV Aurora, also powered by liquefied natural gas, along with four additional units, alongside studies into future solutions including the use of biological gas in line with European and international decarbonization objectives.
According to the company, the vessel’s first refueling, carried out for the Genoa–Palermo crossing, was completed using biological liquefied natural gas derived from organic sources, a fuel based on a natural carbon cycle and offering a reduced climate impact compared to traditional fuels, although its use remains dependent on market availability.
Based on the data communicated, the ferry operations run by GNV contribute significantly to the Italian economy, with the annual transport of goods valued at approximately 8.5 billion euros and nearly 2.5 million passengers, supporting the tourism and domestic trade sectors, while the Port of Palermo holds a strategic position within the company’s network for both passenger and freight transport, recording notable growth compared to the previous year.
Founded in 1992 and a subsidiary of the MSC Group, GNV operates a fleet of 26 vessels serving 33 maritime routes across eight countries, including Italy, Spain, France, Albania, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Malta.