GNV VIRGO became Italy’s first long-haul LNG-powered ship on the Genoa–Palermo route, a landmark step in reducing emissions for GNV’s fleet.

Italy’s first ship-to-ship bio-LNG bunkering was completed in Genoa, refueling the GNV Virgo, the first Italian ro-pax regularly powered by LNG.

The operation involved transferring 500 cubic metres of bio-LNG in six hours, supporting the Genoa–Palermo round trip under May 2025 Ministry guidelines.

Industry observers note current bio-LNG supply limits, high costs, and the need for a developed supply chain to meet rising demand.

Bio-LNG bunkered for the route provides autonomy for the operation, aligning with regulatory guidance.

GNV plans to add five more LNG-powered vessels by 2030 to broaden fleet-wide sustainability efforts.

GNV Virgo’s design delivers about 50% CO2 reductions versus predecessors and includes cold ironing, SCR, and heat recovery to meet IMO Tier III/EEDI Phase II standards.

Technical specs: 52,300 GT, 218 m length, 29.6 m beam, up to 25 knots, over 420 cabins for 1,785 passengers, and 2,770 metres of cargo.

GNV Virgo will operate on the Genoa–Palermo route, supporting Europe’s decarbonisation and the EU’s 2050 carbon neutrality target.

Bio-LNG used is RED II and ISCC certified via mass balance, enabling net-zero GHG emissions for the Genoa–Palermo round trip.

The six-hour bunkering demonstrated a significant milestone: 500 cubic metres to fuel one return leg to Palermo.

The operation was a public-private partnership with Axpo Italia, the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, and Genoa Port Authority, plus regional and municipal leaders highlighting innovation.