GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci)

Who they are

GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) is a Genoa-based ferry company founded in 1992 by Aldo Grimaldi. It became independent of the Grimaldi Group in 2009 and has been part of the MSC Group since 2010. It has grown into one of the most comprehensive western Mediterranean operators: not just an Italian domestic carrier, but a line connecting Italy, Spain and France with Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Albania.

The company's identity is tied closely to the port of Genoa, which remains the hub of its network and the departure point for its longest international routes. On board, the tone is practical and competent rather than luxurious, with a clear focus on getting large numbers of passengers and vehicles across the sea efficiently.

Network and main routes

GNV's network is wider than many travellers realise.

Sardinia: GNV sails from Genoa to Porto Torres and Olbia. The Genoa–Porto Torres overnight route is popular with northern Italian families heading south and with freight operators.

Sicily is served through Palermo, with sailings from Genoa, Civitavecchia and Naples, and some sailings from Civitavecchia and Naples using Termini Imerese, east of Palermo. The Genoa–Palermo crossing is long and well suited to travellers bringing a car.

Spain and the Balearics: GNV sails from Genoa to Barcelona in about 20.5 to 21.5 hours, an alternative to driving across southern France. Since 2021 it has also run Balearic routes from Barcelona to Palma, Ibiza and Mahón (Menorca) and from Valencia to Palma and Ibiza.

Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria: GNV sails to Tangier from Genoa, Civitavecchia (via Barcelona), Barcelona and Sète, and to Nador from Barcelona, Sète and Almería. Tunis is served from Genoa, Civitavecchia and Palermo, and Algeria from Sète (Algiers, Béjaïa) and Civitavecchia (Annaba). The Moroccan routes are heavily used in summer by diaspora families travelling between Europe and North Africa by car. They are long: Genoa–Tangier takes about 51 hours direct, and Sète–Tangier about 42 hours.

Albania: GNV also runs Bari–Durrës across the Adriatic.

Fleet and on board

GNV operates a mixed fleet of ro-pax ferries and cruise ferries, from older vessels to new ships such as GNV Polaris (2024) and GNV Orion and GNV Virgo (2025). In December 2025 GNV's parent group also bought five ships from the Moby group at auction, three of which are joining the GNV fleet. Accommodation spans reclining seat lounges, shared cabins, standard cabins and premium en-suite options. On the longer routes to Morocco and Tunisia a cabin is strongly advisable.

On-board facilities include self-service restaurants and cafeterias, bars, shops and, on the larger ships, outdoor deck space with seating. The self-service restaurant on overnight Sardinia crossings is a practical and decent option for an evening meal.

Vehicle facilities are extensive. GNV handles cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and trucks on most routes.

Booking and tips

For the Sardinia routes, book early if travelling in July or August with a car, particularly from Genoa, where demand is highest.

For the Morocco routes, be aware that the summer surge of Moroccan diaspora travellers puts enormous pressure on availability in both directions. Book the return leg at the same time as the outbound. Crossing times are long, so stock up on food before boarding or budget for on-board dining.

The Genoa–Barcelona route is a good option for travellers who want to drive between Italy and Spain without crossing France, or who are building a circular itinerary (ferry Genoa to Barcelona, drive, and ferry back). Check the departure time for your date, as the schedule shifts seasonally.