This initiative involves the deployment of the GNV Aurora and the GNV Virgo, the two newest and most technologically advanced vessels in the company’s fleet, both powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), thereby promoting the adoption of transition fuels such as bioLNG and synthetic LNG.
As part of the celebrations marking the christening of the GNV Aurora, as part of a €1.3 billion (nearly 14 billion dirhams) fleet renewal program through 2030, this decision confirms the central role of intra-Mediterranean connections in the company’s development strategy, as well as the growing importance of the North African market within the GNV network.
Speaking at the ceremony, Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics emphasized that GNV’s investment reflects renewed confidence in the potential of the Moroccan market and an ongoing commitment to strengthening maritime links between Morocco and Europe. He noted that the entry into service of the GNV Aurora, alongside its sister ship, the GNV Virgo, comes at a key moment on the eve of Operation Marhaba 2026, and will help increase transport capacity while improving comfort, reliability, and service quality for passengers.
Referring to the transformation of the national maritime sector, Kayouh said Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, is working to implement a new strategic maritime vision aimed at fostering a more integrated system, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders involved in building a more connected, competitive, and sustainable Mediterranean maritime space.
For her part, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy Fatim-Zahra Ammor noted that Italy is currently Morocco’s fifth-largest tourism market, with over one million visitors recorded in 2025, nearly 15% of whom arrive by sea. She added that the GNV Aurora will help boost the appeal of Moroccan destinations and generate economic benefits for local areas and tourism operators, welcoming renewed international confidence in Morocco’s tourism potential.
“Our longstanding presence in Morocco has grown steadily over the years, based on close cooperation and mutual trust. The christening of the GNV Aurora in Tangier marks a new concrete step in our long-term partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division and Chairman of GNV.
He added that Morocco, situated at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, holds strategic importance for strengthening GNV’s Mediterranean network, noting: “We intend to continue supporting the Kingdom’s strategic vision regarding maritime connectivity, trade development, and tourism.”
GNV CEO Matteo Catani said the GNV Aurora “concretely represents the direction we have chosen for the company’s future: investing in technologies capable of balancing safety, environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and the quality of the travel experience,” stressing that Morocco is an increasingly central market in GNV’s Mediterranean development strategy.
The Italian Ambassador to Morocco, Pasquale Salzano, said the inauguration of the GNV Aurora illustrates the depth of relations between Italy and Morocco, noting that by connecting Genoa and Tangier; two cities historically shaped by the sea; the vessel will help bring people, families, and businesses on both shores of the Mediterranean closer together.
The GNV Aurora and GNV Virgo are scheduled to begin operations on June 1 and July 1, respectively, on the Tangier Med, Barcelona, and Genoa routes. Barcelona will serve as a transit hub for the network connecting Morocco, Spain, and Italy, while Genoa will function as the main LNG bunkering port for both vessels, with refueling occurring on average every four to five days.
Written in French by La rédaction with MAP, edited in English by Amina Kadiri
