Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, stated that the launch of the new ferry GNV Aurora will strengthen maritime links between Morocco and Europe while boosting the attractiveness of Moroccan tourist destinations.
According to the minister, Italy has become Morocco’s fifth-largest tourism market, with more than one million Italian visitors recorded in 2025. Around 15% of these travelers arrive by sea.
The vessel began operating on June 1, 2026, on the Tangier Med–Barcelona–Genoa route. A second ship, GNV Virgo, is expected to join the route in July ahead of the Marhaba 2026 operation.
The project is part of a broader €1.3 billion fleet modernization plan extending to 2030, featuring liquefied natural gas-powered vessels designed to provide more sustainable maritime transport services.