The Splendid: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On June 3, 2025, the ferry 'Splendid' experienced a minor incident while docked at Ponte Caracciolo, resulting from a small fire caused by the exhaust system of a generator set. The alarm was promptly triggered around 9 p.m. by the vigilant engine operators, who ensured immediate action was taken. Firefighters quickly responded to the scene, with two teams arriving from the shore along with a dedicated fire response motorboat. Thanks to their swift intervention, the contained flames were swiftly extinguished, and the fire did not escalate beyond the generator compartment. As a precaution, the ferry was evacuated during the firefighting operation, although at the time of the incident, only crew members were present onboard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the situation was resolved without further complications.

In a decisive move to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, Italy is leveraging every resource at its disposal to assist its citizens. The 'Splendid,' a ferry recently converted into a hospital ship, is poised to begin operations on March 23, 2023, treating its first cohort of patients. Delivered on March 19, 2023, in the bustling port city of Genoa, the vessel is set to accommodate an initial 25 patients. The transformation into a medical facility was a collaborative effort involving Grande Navi Veloci (GNV), the classification society RINA, and Italy's health authorities. In just one week, the 'Splendid' has been outfitted with essential infirmary and first aid equipment, and features 25 beds distributed across single-occupancy cabins, each equipped with independent external ventilation, television, and internet connectivity. The ship is designed with flexibility in mind and can swiftly be upgraded to add up to 400 additional beds if required. Furthermore, there is the capability to install modular units on the car deck for intensive care. MSC has generously offered the ship for free, with RINA and several subcontractors also contributing their services without charge, all in the spirit of supporting Italy's healthcare response during this critical time.