In a powerful vote of confidence for China's shipbuilding industry, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world's largest shipping company, has placed an order for 2+2 dual-fuel RoPax vessels with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) — a deal worth up to $640 million (RMB 4.66 billion).
Each vessel will feature 3,500 lane meters and carry up to 2,500 passengers, marking GNV’s (Grandi Navi Veloci) first-ever LNG dual-fuel RoPax ships. Deliveries of the first two are scheduled for 2028.
This order is far more than just numbers — it reflects: MSC’s long-term trust in Chinese yards
GSI’s unmatched experience in luxury RoPax construction
Continued momentum in green shipbuilding
Notably, the GNV fleet already includes the GNV Polaris, also built by GSI and delivered in late 2023 — the first modern RoPax vessel designed, built, and outfitted entirely in China for European operations, with 100% domestically sourced interior materials.
GSI is no newcomer to this space — it has been a pioneer in China’s RoPax segment since 2003 and continues to lead with innovation, from noise control to advanced LNG fuel integration.
Beyond RoPax, MSC is also working with GSI on two 16,000 TEU dual-fuel LNG container ships, which include China’s largest single B-type LNG tank (13,000 m³).
MSC’s commitment to China spans decades — with over €14 billion invested in the country and more than 50 large container vessels ordered since 2015. And it’s not stopping there.
by Xinde Marine News Chen Yang
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