ferry GNV Sealand GNV
ferry GNV Sealand
âš“ The GNV Sealand is one of the new-generation ferries in the GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) fleet, built to deliver high standards of comfort on long-distance crossings of the western Mediterranean. With room for more than 1,800 passengers and over 600 vehicles, she works mainly the Barcelona–Genoa route, one of the most important sea links between Spain and Italy, covering the 900-plus km in roughly 20 hours. The ship stands out for the breadth of her accommodation — from reclining seats through to cabins with a private bathroom — and for a generous range of onboard services that turn the crossing into an experience in its own right.
The GNV Sealand was built at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) yard in China and joined the GNV fleet in 2022. She belongs to the new series of megaferries GNV is adding to its fleet as part of a renewal and modernisation plan aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of its crossings and improving the passenger experience. Her modern design and sheer size make her one of the largest ferries in regular service out of the port of Barcelona.
History and background of the ship
The GNV Sealand (IMO 9435454) was built between 2008 and 2009 at the Cantiere Navale Visentini yard in Porto Viro (Italy) and launched on 10 December 2008. Delivered as the Scottish Viking to Norfolkline, she passed briefly through DFDS Seaways and Scandlines before being chartered in 2011 for ten years by Stena Line on the Baltic route Nynäshamn (Sweden)–Ventspils (Latvia), where she was a vital freight link between Scandinavia and the Baltic states for a full decade.
When that contract expired in 2021 she was chartered by GNV and renamed GNV Sealand. On 19 August 2021 she made her first call at the Port of Barcelona, opening GNV's new routes in the Spanish market. She has been the operator's workhorse in the Balearics ever since, running fixed daily sailings on the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca, Valencia–Palma and Barcelona–Ibiza lines. Her statutory dry-dockings are carried out at the yards in Malta.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-pax ferry |
| Length overall | 218 m |
| Beam | 29 m |
| Service speed | ~23 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,828 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~600 cars (car equivalent) |
| Freight capacity | 2,700 lane metres of ro-ro freight |
| Vehicle decks | 4 |
| Propulsion | Dual fuel (LNG / HFO) |
| OPS system | Yes (shore power connection in port) |
| Shipyard | Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), China |
| Year built | 2022 |
| IMO number | 9861941 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Classification | RINA |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Genoa | ~20 h | ~18:00 |
| Genoa → Barcelona | ~20 h | ~15:00 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Barcelona: getting there and what to bear in mind
The GNV Sealand sails from the Terminal Ferry Barcelona, inside the Port of Barcelona. GNV's facilities are on the Moll Adossat, reachable by car (via the B-10 motorway) and by public transport on the port shuttle bus. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure; without one, 60 minutes is enough.
The port of Genoa, for its part, is very well connected to the city centre and to the Italian motorway network, which makes onward travel to Milan, Turin or the Italian Riviera straightforward once you disembark.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A reclining seat (tourist class) on the GNV Sealand starts at around €40–60 per person each way in low season and can rise above €100–150 in high season (July and August). Cabins with a private bathroom range from roughly €150 to €300 or more, depending on the grade and the number of passengers. Book as far ahead as you can for the summer.
Available discounts:
- Club GNV: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and unlock members-only fares.
- Children's fare: under-4s travel free in most types of accommodation. Children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced fare.
- Group fare: special discounts for groups of more than 10 people. Contact GNV directly.
- Early booking fare: the best prices come from booking months ahead, particularly for July and August.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Reclining seat |
| As a couple, after some privacy | Double inside cabin |
| As a family with children | Outside cabin with bathroom (4 berths) |
| After the greatest possible comfort | Deluxe outside cabin / Suite |
| On a tight budget, on an overnight crossing | Shared inside cabin (4 berths) |
| With a pet | Cabin + pet place |
ferry GNV Sealand · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Tourist class
The cheapest option aboard the GNV Sealand. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, perfect for travellers who put price first on an overnight crossing. Access to all the ship's public areas.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and restaurant
✓ Access to the outside deck
✓ Shared washrooms and showers available
Inside cabin · 2 and 4 berths
Windowless cabins on the inner decks, available in two- or four-berth layouts, with bunks or a double bed subject to availability. Ideal for making the most of your rest on a 20-hour crossing at a very reasonable price.
✓ Bunk or double bed
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ TV in the cabin
✓ Electronic key card
Outside cabin · With window or porthole
Cabins with a sea-facing window or porthole, available with 2 or 4 berths. The ideal choice for families or for travellers who want natural light and Mediterranean views throughout the crossing.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Bunks or separate beds depending on layout
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individually controlled air conditioning
✓ TV in the cabin
✓ Electronic key card
Suite / Deluxe cabin · Premium
The largest and best-appointed cabins on the GNV Sealand. An oversized double bed, a seating area, quality toiletries and panoramic sea views. The finest way to enjoy a long-distance crossing in complete comfort.
✓ Generous double bed
✓ Seating area with sofa
✓ Full bathroom with toiletries
✓ TV, minibar and desk
✓ Sea views and greater privacy
ferry GNV Sealand · On-board services
Restaurant, self-service and café
The food and drink on the GNV Sealand is one of her strong points. On board you will find an à la carte restaurant, a self-service or buffet area with a wide choice of hot and cold dishes, and a café-bar open throughout the crossing. Italian cooking is well represented on the menus, with pasta, pizzas and antipasti among the regular options.
Outside deck and rest areas
The GNV Sealand has outside decks where passengers can enjoy the Mediterranean in the open air. The indoor rest areas are roomy and well lit, with upholstered seating and spaces designed for relaxing on a 20-hour overnight crossing.
Children's area
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The GNV Sealand is fitted with lifts serving the various passenger decks, adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility and accessible ramps and corridors in the public areas. Tell GNV about any special requirements when you book so that the best possible assistance can be arranged.
Sustainability: dual-fuel LNG propulsion
The GNV Sealand is one of the most modern and sustainable ferries in the GNV fleet thanks to her dual-fuel propulsion system, which runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as well as conventional marine fuel. Using LNG as the primary fuel cuts polluting emissions substantially compared with conventional ferries:
−25%
COâ‚‚ emissions
−85%
NOx emissions
−100%
Sulphur and particulates
The ship also carries an OPS (Onshore Power Supply) system, which lets her plug into the port's electricity grid while alongside, eliminating emissions in port altogether. The technology is already available in Barcelona and in Genoa, two of the ports most committed to sustainable shipping in the Mediterranean.
Frequently asked questions about the GNV Sealand
Which routes does the GNV Sealand ferry operate?
She works mainly the Barcelona–Genoa route for GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci), covering the 900-plus km between Spain and Italy in roughly 20 hours.
How long does the GNV Sealand take from Barcelona to Genoa?
The crossing takes roughly 20 hours. She normally leaves Barcelona in the afternoon (around 18:00) and reaches Genoa the following morning. The return leg, Genoa–Barcelona, takes about the same.
Does the GNV Sealand carry cars?
Yes. She has four vehicle decks with room for roughly 600 cars (car equivalent) or a mix of ro-ro freight. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the GNV Sealand offer?
Four grades: the reclining seat (tourist class), the inside cabin (2 or 4 berths, no window), the outside cabin (with window or porthole, 2 or 4 berths) and the suite or deluxe cabin. Every cabin has a private bathroom.
Is there Wi-Fi on board the GNV Sealand?
Yes. The GNV Sealand has Wi-Fi on board. Coverage and speed can vary with the ship's position during the crossing.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Pets have to stay in the area set aside for them or in the passenger's cabin (never in the public areas). Bring a carrier and up-to-date veterinary paperwork.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. There are lifts, adapted cabins and accessible public areas on board. Tell GNV about any special requirements when you book so that the best assistance can be arranged.
What fuel does the GNV Sealand use?
A dual-fuel propulsion system, compatible with liquefied natural gas (LNG) and conventional marine fuel (HFO). LNG cuts COâ‚‚ by up to 25% and NOx by 85%, and all but eliminates sulphur and particulate emissions.
How much does it cost to travel on the GNV Sealand?
A reclining seat starts at ~€40–60 per person in low season. Inside cabins range from €80 to €150 and outside cabins from €120 to €250. Prices rise in July and August, so it pays to book ahead. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes before departure. Foot passengers: 60 minutes is enough. In high season (July and August) it is worth allowing extra time.
Is there a restaurant on board?
Yes. There is an à la carte restaurant, a self-service or buffet area with hot and cold dishes and a café-bar. The menu covers Mediterranean and Italian cooking, with pasta, pizzas, salads and a full drinks list.
When did the GNV Sealand join the fleet?
The GNV Sealand was built at the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) yard in China and joined the GNV fleet in 2022. She is one of the operator's largest and most modern ships, and part of its fleet-renewal programme built around dual-fuel propulsion.
