Read Authentic Ratings for the Gnv-Azzurra

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.