VESSEL REVIEW | GNV Polaris – Large Ro-Pax to serve Eastern Mediterranean routes
Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), an Italian transport company owned by shipping line the MSC Group, recently took delivery of a new large Ro-Pax ferry built by China's Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI).
GNV Polaris was designed and built by GSI in compliance with RINA class rules. It will commence operational sailings in January 2025 and will be deployed on GNV's Eastern Mediterranean routes.
The newbuild has an LOA of 218 metres (715 feet), a beam of 29.6 metres (97.1 feet), a design draught of 6.45 metres (21.2 feet), a depth of 10 metres (30 feet), and a gross tonnage of approximately 47,000.
There are 12 decks with 298 cabins in various classes for up to 1,500 passengers as well as a total of 3,100 lane metres for 600 cars or 200 trailers. Some of the cabins are laid out for passengers travelling with pets though there is also a separate onboard kennel.
Fitted with emissions-reducing technology
Power for the vessel is provided by four nine-cylinder, medium-speed diesel engines that each produce 10,350 kW (13,880 hp). The engines drive two propellers to deliver a speed of 25 knots at 83 per cent MCR and a range of 3,500 nautical miles.
Shore power charging facilities are also available to permit the vessel to connect to the local grid while at berth, thus ensuring a continuous supply of electrical power for the onboard systems without having to depend on the main engines or generators. GNV expects the ferry’s operations will yield 30 per cent CO2 emissions compared to vessels of similar size.
To further reduce emissions to comply with IMO Tier III and EEDI Phase II requirements, the vessel is fitted with exhaust gas cleaning systems, a selective catalytic reduction system, and a waste heat recovery system. LED lights and inverters are installed to keep electricity consumption as low as possible without any adverse effect on vessel operations.
Optimisation has meanwhile been applied to the hull, the bulbous bow, and the propellers to ensure improved operating efficiency, which will translate into lower fuel consumption over the same sailing distances. The hull is coated in silicone paint to reduce surface resistance even further.
Ample amenities for long voyages
Onboard facilities include restaurants, duty-free shops, a snack bar, children's play areas, toilets, showers, lounges, a passenger space with airline-style seating, and an isolation ward to help prevent the spread of airborne diseases. All interior spaces are air-conditioned and have wifi connectivity.
Passenger access between the different decks is via five lifts and two escalators, all supplied by GSI’s wholly owned subsidiary GSI Elevator Electromechanical Equipment.
The ferry's design also promises low noise levels. Even when underway, the outside noise heard from within the passenger cabins is limited to 55 dB while the noise level in the other public areas does not exceed 60 dB.
GNV Polaris is the first in a planned series of four ferries to be built by GSI. The acquisition of these ferries is in line with GNV’s fleet renewal program, which encompasses construction of new vessels as well as modernisation of those that are already in service.
