Rhapsody Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a strategic move to support maritime operations, GNV has announced the short-term charter of two of its ferries, the 'GNV Azzurra' and the 'Rhapsody', designated as accommodation vessels starting November 2025. The 'GNV Azzurra' is set to dock at the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard in Genoa, where it will serve the crew of the USS 'Mount Whitney', a key asset of the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. This arrangement will provide essential lodging for the crew while their vessel undergoes drydocking, anticipated to last until January. Meanwhile, the 'Rhapsody' has been contracted to Costa Cruises and recently arrived in Marseille after departing from Genoa on October 21. This ferry is currently moored adjacent to the cruise ship 'Aidaluna', where it will also serve as crew accommodation during the Aidaluna's scheduled drydocking at the Chantier Naval de Marseille. These charters highlight GNV’s commitment to supporting maritime operations and logistics in critical regions.

In a significant operation, the cruise ship 'Rhapsody' concluded its quarantine mission on January 17, 2022, as it docked at the port of Gioia Tauro, Italy. Onboard were 159 migrants hailing from various African nations, having recently made their way to Italy. Upon receiving the designated resettlement lists from the Ministry of the Interior, the disembarkation process began promptly. This operation involved collaboration from multiple agencies, including the Harbour Master's Office, the Immigration Office from the Reggio Calabria Police Headquarters, the Border Police, and the Commissariat of Gioia Tauro. Following the successful transfer of the migrants to their next destinations, the 'Rhapsody' departed the port at 8:50 p.m., marking the end of its crucial humanitarian task.

On April 19, the quarantine period concluded for 2,132 migrants aboard the vessel 'Rhapsody' in Puerto Empedocle. Prior to disembarkation, all migrants underwent a confirmatory swab test to ensure they were free of Covid-19. Following the necessary health checks, a significant number of individuals boarded buses destined for reception centers in various regions, including Calabria, Puglia, Campania, Lazio, Piedmont, and Lombardy. Meanwhile, others chose to explore transportation options within the city of the Temples for further travel. This organized disembarkation process was managed by the Prefecture of Agrigento and overseen by the state police, ensuring the safety and orderly transition of the migrants.

On November 23, the quarantine vessel 'Rhapsody' docked at the port of Porto Empedocle, taking aboard 150 migrants. These individuals were previously ferried from the hotspot location in the district and are now set to undergo health surveillance as part of the safety protocols. For more details and a report featuring images, visit: https://www.agrigentooggi.it/nave-quarantena-imbarca-150-migranti-arrivati-da-lampedusa/