World’s largest shipping company invests $1.5 billion into Europe-North Africa ferry expansion ahead of 2030 world cup

Grandi Navi Veloci, a ferry operator owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world’s largest container shipping group, is expanding its service to Morocco as the North African country strengthens its position as a transport bridge between Europe and Africa.

• Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company, has launched an expanded Europe-North Africa ferry service centered on Morocco.
• GNV has introduced its newest LNG dual-fuel ferry, GNV Aurora, to the Tangier-Barcelona-Genoa route, with its sister ship GNV Virgo joining soon.
• The new vessels can carry over 1,700 passengers and feature advanced emissions-reduction and energy-efficiency technologies.
• This expansion supports Morocco's growing role as a key transport bridge between Europe and Africa, especially ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

GNV, a subsidiary of MSC Group, has christened its newest vessel, GNV Aurora, in Tangier and launched an expanded service linking Morocco with Spain and Italy.

The move reinforces Morocco’s growing role in Mediterranean transport, as ferry and logistics operators prepare for stronger passenger and cargo flows ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco, which will co-host the tournament with Spain and Portugal, has become central to GNV’s regional strategy.

Its expanding port infrastructure, strong diaspora travel market and rising profile as a host of global events have increased its importance to cross-Mediterranean transport.

The country has hosted the Africa Cup of Nations twice, staged the FIFA Club World Cup three times, and hosted the World Bank Group and IMF Annual Meetings in Marrakech in 2023.

Its preparations for the 2030 World Cup are expected to further strengthen its position as a gateway between Africa and Europe.

GNV’s $1.5 Billion Fleet Renewal Plan

According to The Maritime Executive, the expansion forms part of GNV’s fleet renewal programme valued at more than €1.3 billion, or about $1.5 billion.

The company said the investment reflects the growing importance of intra-Mediterranean routes and rising passenger and cargo demand between North Africa and Europe.

GNV has operated services to Morocco for nearly 20 years and has carried more than six million passengers on the route. In 2025, it transported more than 465,000 passengers on its Moroccan services.

New LNG Ferries For Tangier Route

GNV Aurora, a 53,000-gross-ton ferry, was christened in Tangier on June 1 after arriving in Genoa in early March. It had initially operated on the domestic route to Palermo before being assigned to the Morocco service.

The vessel will operate between Tangier Med, Barcelona and Genoa. Its sister ship, GNV Virgo, is expected to join the same route on July 1.

Both ships are GNV’s first LNG dual-fuel vessels and were built by Guangzhou Shipyard International in China. GNV Virgo was delivered in October 2025, while GNV Aurora was delivered at the end of January 2026.

Passenger And Cargo Capacity

Each ferry measures 218 metres and has 426 passenger cabins. The ships can carry more than 1,700 passengers and offer 2,780 linear metres of cargo space. They are designed for a speed of 25 knots.

The vessels can run on LNG and are also prepared for bio-LNG and synthetic LNG. They include shore-power capability, emissions reduction systems and heat-recovery technology that can generate electricity on board.

Fleet Renewal Plan Continues

The two LNG-powered sister ships cost about €360 million, according to the company. GNV Aurora is the fourth new ferry delivered to the operator by GSI.

Founded in 1992, GNV now operates 26 ferries on 33 routes across eight countries. The company said the first phase of its fleet renewal plan has been completed, but it has already ordered four more LNG-powered ferries from GSI.

The first of the additional vessels is expected around the end of 2027. The others are scheduled to follow at intervals of about six months.

For Morocco, the new service adds to Tangier Med’s growing status as one of Africa’s most important transport and logistics hubs.

It also underlines the country’s expanding role in linking African markets with European trade and travel corridors.