Read Authentic Ratings for the Gnv-Azzurra

On June 24, the GNV Azzurra was towed from the ASI dock in Porto Torres to the port of Genoa by an Italian Navy tug, following a fire incident that occurred earlier. The ferry is now scheduled for a detailed evaluation and extensive repairs at a dedicated shipyard. In response to the disruption caused by the fire, the GNV Altair (IMO: 9222534) stepped in to take over the ferry service between Porto Torres and Genoa, which had been temporarily halted. The GNV Altair made its arrival at the west pier of Porto Torres on the morning of June 21, ensuring continued transportation for passengers on the route while repairs to the GNV Azzurra commenced. Meanwhile, the Porto Torres Coastguard has instituted an administrative investigation to analyze the circumstances surrounding the fire, which took place approximately 40 nautical miles from Porto Torres in international waters, falling under the French SAR zone jurisdiction. The investigation aims to thoroughly understand the incident and ascertain the cause of the fire. For more details, you can see the full report with photos here: https://www.unionesarda.it/de/sardinien/feuer-auf-der-gnv-inspektionen-und-verhore-an-bord-das-schiff-azzurra-stoppt-ghnuhqbo.

On June 19, 2026, a fire erupted in the engine room of the ferry 'GNV Azzurra' during its journey from Porto Torres to Genoa. The blaze was detected around 9 p.m. while the vessel was navigating off the southern coast of Corsica, approximately 18 nautical miles from Cap de Senetosa, falling within the French maritime zone of responsibility. Carrying 763 passengers and 113 crew members, the situation prompted an immediate alert to the CROSS Mediterranée in Corsica. Fortunately, the dedicated crew of the 'GNV Azzurra' managed to bring the fire under control, extinguishing it by approximately 11:30 p.m. Despite the incident causing a temporary loss of maneuverability, there were fortunately no reported injuries among those on board. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Maritime Prefect for the Mediterranean activated the Level 2 maritime ORSEC (Civil Security Response Organisation) plan to coordinate rescue operations and secure the area. A comprehensive response from French authorities included: - The rescue vessel 'SNS 17-07 - Cyrnos' from the Propriano SNSM station - The all-weather lifeboat 'SNS 063 - L’Herminier II' from the Bonifacio SNSM station - The emergency tug 'Abeille Méditerranée' based in Toulon - The tug 'Persevero' - A port tug from Ajaccio - An Air and Space Force Puma helicopter from Solenzara which deployed a specialized assessment and intervention team consisting of six trained shipboard firefighters from the Corse-du-Sud fire and rescue service and a marine mechanic from the Aspretto naval air base in Corsica. Coordination between the ship’s owner, Italian authorities, and MRCC Rome led to the dispatch of the Italian tug 'Alessandro Onorato' from Porto Torres to assist further. In the early hours of June 20, around 6:30 a.m., the 'GNV Azzurra' was successfully taken in tow by the 'Alessandro Onorato'. The convoy, under close surveillance by both Italian and French authorities, made its way back to Porto Torres where the ship was safely docked by morning. For further details and visuals, visit: https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/le-cross-med-en-corse-coordonne-l-assistance-a-un-navire-a-passagers-au-large-de-la-corse?fbclid=Iwb21leASjncBjbGNrBKOdPWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHgJiCVdRyJo40_b5cEJnaPvg3x_NI_Bq7pKDV8X6WuM_m0HqUuAY2obUGb9p_aem_OCYzPTKUaBQHiGZZ5tzKFg and https://www.unionesarda.it/en/sardinia/a-fire-broke-out-on-board-a-gnv-ship-departing-from-porto-torres-which-is-now-stranded-off-the-coast-of-corsica-c8qu4m5j.

GNV has announced the short-term chartering of two ferries, the 'GNV Azzurra' and 'Rhapsody', set to begin in November 2025. The 'GNV Azzurra' will be stationed at the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard in Genoa, where it will serve as temporary accommodation for the crew of the USS 'Mount Whitney'. This U.S. Navy vessel, a part of the Sixth Fleet operating in the Mediterranean, is scheduled for drydocking until January. Meanwhile, the 'Rhapsody' has been chartered to Costa Cruises and recently made its way to Marseille from Genoa. On October 21, it was moored next to the cruise ship 'Aidaluna', providing necessary crew accommodations while the latter undergoes drydocking at the Chantier Naval de Marseille. This strategic move highlights GNV's role in accommodating maritime crews during crucial maintenance periods.

On August 30, a group of migrants made landfall on the shores of Punta delle Formiche in Pachino using a rubber dinghy. Following their journey, health authorities conducted COVID-19 tests on September 1, revealing that five individuals tested positive for the virus. In response, these migrants were promptly transferred to the quarantine vessel 'Azzurra,' currently anchored in the port of Augusta. The ship docked at the quay to streamline the transfer process, all while under the vigilant oversight of the local police.

On August 9 at approximately 8 a.m., the ferry 'GNV Azzurra' anchored off the northern shore of Trapani, close to Torre di Ligny, carrying migrants who had arrived from Lampedusa. Following discussions led by Prefect Tommaso Ricciardi with the provincial committee for public order and safety, authorities opted to keep the ferry at anchor instead of bringing it into the port, dependent on favorable marine conditions. On the morning of August 10, the ferry briefly docked for technical operations, supplies, and other necessary functions, but subsequently returned to its anchorage. The vessel housed 603 migrants, along with crew members and personnel from the Italian Red Cross, including cultural mediators. Approximately 70 percent of those onboard were Tunisian, along with families of sub-Saharan origin, consisting of women and children, and around ten unaccompanied minors. The situation on board has been reported as stable, with effective security measures and assistance being provided. To prepare for the ferry's eventual entry into port, emergency assistance points were established on the shore. Among the migrants, around 30 individuals tested positive for COVID-19, necessitating a ten-day quarantine aboard the ferry, which is expected to last until at least August 17. One deck was designated specifically for those who tested positive or had been in close contact with them, while other decks were allocated for families, women and children, and men. Surveillance at sea is maintained by the Guardia di Finanza and Coast Guard patrol boats. Ground assistance includes a presence from the Carabinieri, Police, Fire Brigade, and medical staff at the emergency point. Additionally, bureaucratic procedures are set to commence for migrants eligible to apply for refugee status. If the Milo detention center is at capacity, the prefecture is considering housing some migrants in a repurposed, confiscated industrial warehouse. Meanwhile, Tunisian migrants face the prospect of repatriation.

The GNV Azzurra has reported 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19, alongside six cases pending confirmation. These findings arose from nasopharyngeal swabs taken from the 350 migrants who recently arrived from Lampedusa. In response, all infected individuals have been moved to a designated isolation area on the vessel. Currently, the GNV Azzurra is en route to Lampedusa after stopping at the port of Augusta for refueling and supplies. The ship is set to pick up an additional 350 migrants from a local reception facility, with the anticipated arrival time at noon.