ferry Golden Bridge GNV
ferry Golden Bridge
⚓ The Golden Bridge is the highest-capacity vehicle ferry that GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) runs regularly on the Spanish routes, with a hold for up to 500 vehicles and room for 1,500 passengers. She is a veteran Japanese-built ro-pax that pairs generous cabins with a huge freight deck, working mainly the Barcelona–Mahón and Barcelona–Ibiza routes and joining the Operación Paso del Estrecho (the summer crossing operation to North Africa) on the Almería–Nador route over the summer months. She belongs to the Cypriot owner Galaxy Seaways and is chartered to GNV, part of the MSC Group.
The Golden Bridge was built in 1990 at the Kanda Zōzensho shipyard in Kure (Japan), hull number 330, and launched on 13 December 1989. She began life as the "Sabrina" for the Japanese operator Kinkai Yusen, working the Tokyo–Kushiro route. In 2000 she was sold to the Chinese owner Weidong Ferry, which renamed her "New Golden Bridge II" and put her on the line between Incheon (South Korea) and Weihai (China). In November 2018 the Greek owner Galaxy Seaways — based in Limassol, Cyprus — bought the ship, moved her to Greece and gave her a thorough refit at the Perama yards to suit the Mediterranean market, adopting her current name of Golden Bridge. Since the beginning of 2022 she has sailed on charter to GNV on the Spanish routes, a contract that has been renewed several times.
History and background of the ship
The Golden Bridge (IMO 8908131) has one of the most international careers in the GNV fleet. She was built in 1990 at the Japanese Kanda Zosensho yard in Kure (hull number 325) under the name Saboten, working coastal services in Japan. In 1999 she was bought by a Korean operator as Hanbada and in 2006 she made the jump to Europe on charter to Irish Ferries. After a complete structural rebuild at the Perama yards in Greece, she was renamed Golden Bridge and chartered by FRS to open, with considerable logistical success, the Motril–Melilla route.
In the spring of 2022 GNV bought the ship outright. She has worked ever since as an all-purpose relief vessel, regularly covering the international Sète–Nador (Morocco) line and backing up the Balearic services, above all the Barcelona–Menorca route.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-pax ferry (passengers and vehicles) |
| Length overall | 186.5 m |
| Beam | 24.8 m |
| Draught | 6.9 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 12,521 GT |
| Service speed | ~20 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,500 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 500 cars (vehicle deck) |
| Cabins | 130 cabins |
| Propulsion | 2 Pielstick engines · 17,530 hp combined · 2 shafts |
| Building shipyard | Kanda Zōzensho · Kure, Japan (hull no. 330) |
| Year built | 1990 |
| IMO number | 8902345 |
| MMSI | 209410000 |
| Call sign | 5BCJ5 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| Registered owner | Galaxy Seaways (Limassol, Cyprus) |
| ISM management | A-Ships Management SA |
| Former names | Sabrina (1990–2000) · New Golden Bridge II (2000–2018) |
| Mediterranean refit | 2018–2019 · Perama shipyards, Greece |
| Joined GNV | Early 2022 (on charter) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Mahón (Menorca) | ~9 h | ~23:00 |
| Mahón (Menorca) → Barcelona | ~9 h | ~23:00 |
| Barcelona → Ibiza | ~8 h 30 min | ~22:00 |
| Ibiza → Barcelona | ~8 h 30 min | ~22:00 |
| Almería → Nador (Morocco) [seasonal OPE] | ~8 h 15 min | ~22:30 |
| Nador (Morocco) → Almería [seasonal OPE] | ~8 h 15 min | Varies |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The Almería–Nador route runs in summer only (Operación Paso del Estrecho). Confirm the exact departure in our search engine.
GNV's Balearic routes: what to know before you board
The Golden Bridge works the overnight sailings from the port of Barcelona (Moll Adossat), just 3 km from Las Ramblas and 15 km from El Prat airport, with excellent access from the B-10 (Ronda Litoral). It is an overnight crossing that gets you into Mahón or Ibiza in the early hours, making good use of the night on board. If you are heading for Palma de Mallorca, bear in mind that the Golden Bridge normally sails to Mahón and Ibiza; for Palma, check other GNV departures or other operators in our comparison of routes to the Balearics.
If you are travelling by car, boarding is straightforward thanks to the Golden Bridge's side bow ramp. You should arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand with a vehicle, and 1 hour beforehand as a foot passenger.
For the Almería–Nador route (during the Operación Paso del Estrecho, generally from July to mid-September), GNV asks you to be at the port at least 4 hours before departure, and a valid passport is essential, as this is an international non-EU crossing. Check-in for Nador–Almería closes 2 hours before departure.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Prices on the Golden Bridge vary according to the route, the season and the type of accommodation you choose. On the Barcelona–Mahón route, a seat in mid season can start from €40–60 per person, while an inside cabin for two is around €90–140. In high season (July and August) prices rise considerably. On the Almería–Nador route, prices are indicative and vary a great deal depending on the week of the OPE.
Discounts and schemes available with GNV:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base price of the passenger ticket, accommodation and certain issuing fees and passenger taxes (vehicle and extras excluded). You must prove residency.
- Children under 4: travel free on all GNV routes.
- myGNV: GNV's loyalty scheme. Collect 1 point for every €10 spent on tickets. You receive a 20-point welcome bonus when you sign up.
- Early booking: GNV offers early-booking discounts on certain routes and at certain times of year.
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 | Pullman seat |
| As a couple or with one companion, wanting a proper rest | Double inside cabin |
| With family (up to 4 people) | 4-berth inside cabin |
| Looking for sea views and more daylight | Outside cabin with window |
| Wanting maximum comfort and privacy | Suite |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin or a pet place in the designated area |
ferry Golden Bridge · Accommodations
Pullman seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. A numbered, allocated reclining seat in an air-conditioned lounge. Ideal for travellers who put price first on short overnight crossings, or for anyone who does not plan on a long sleep.
✓ Numbered, allocated seat
✓ Air-conditioned lounge
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ The most affordable option available
Inside cabin
Cabins for your party's exclusive use — never shared with other passengers — with comfortable beds for 2 or 4 people. The ship's Japanese build means roomy, well-proportioned cabins, something regulars on this route often comment on. A full private bathroom is included.
✓ Exclusive use (never shared)
✓ Roomy, spacious cabins
✓ Private bathroom with shower and hairdryer
✓ Telephone and television
✓ Available in double and 4-berth layouts
Outside cabin · With window
The same as the inside cabin but with a window (porthole) and sea views. More natural light and a greater sense of space. Recommended for anyone who enjoys the view or is travelling by day in summer.
✓ Window with Mediterranean views
✓ Exclusive use · Private bathroom
✓ Telephone and television
✓ More daylight and a nicer time on board
Suite · Maximum comfort
The most exclusive accommodation on the Golden Bridge. More space than a standard cabin, with a fixed double bed (not convertible) or twin beds, a minibar/fridge and a larger porthole. Designed for anyone after the highest level of privacy and comfort on an overnight crossing.
✓ More interior space than a standard cabin
✓ Double or twin beds
✓ Minibar / fridge
✓ Full private bathroom
✓ Larger porthole
Pet-friendly cabin
A cabin set up for travelling with your pet. Your animal can stay with you in the cabin for the whole crossing, with no need to leave it on the vehicle deck. Availability is limited, so book well ahead.
✓ Your pet travels with you in the cabin
✓ Private bathroom included
✓ Pet walking area on deck
✓ Limited availability — book ahead
ferry Golden Bridge · On-board services
Buffet restaurant and bar-café
The Golden Bridge has a buffet restaurant serving Italian specialities alongside Mediterranean, vegetarian and healthy options. For something quicker, the bar-café serves pastries, cakes, snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks throughout the crossing.
Sun deck and outdoor bar
The Golden Bridge's top deck has a sun deck area with loungers, perfect for enjoying the Mediterranean during the day or at sunset before the overnight crossing. It includes an outdoor bar serving cocktails, beer and light bites.
Onboard shop
Travelling with a dog on board the Golden Bridge
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
GNV designs its crossings to be accessible and inclusive. The Golden Bridge has adapted cabins with wider doors and suitable fittings for passengers with reduced mobility. The onboard crew are on hand to help at any time. If you need special assistance, it is best to say so when you book.
Frequently asked questions about the Golden Bridge
Which routes does GNV's Golden Bridge ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Mahón (Menorca) and Barcelona–Ibiza routes. In summer she joins the Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE) on the seasonal Almería–Nador route (Morocco), generally from July to mid-September.
How long does the Golden Bridge take from Barcelona to Mahón?
The Barcelona–Mahón crossing takes roughly 9 hours. It is an overnight sailing: you board at night and reach Menorca first thing in the morning. Barcelona–Ibiza takes around 8 hours 30 minutes.
Does the Golden Bridge carry cars?
Yes. She has a large vehicle deck with room for up to 500 vehicles. If you are travelling with a car, motorbike or caravan, arrive at the port at least 2 hours beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing more time.
What accommodation does the Golden Bridge offer?
Pullman seat (the budget option, in an air-conditioned lounge), inside cabin (exclusive use, 2 or 4 people, private bathroom), outside cabin with a sea-facing window, suite (maximum comfort, double bed and minibar) and a pet-friendly cabin for travellers with an animal.
Are pets allowed on the Golden Bridge?
Yes. The Golden Bridge accepts pets. GNV offers pet-friendly cabins so your animal can travel with you, plus a walking area on deck. Availability is limited: book ahead and state your pet's weight.
Is there Wi-Fi on board?
GNV provides a Wi-Fi service on its ferries. Check the current terms directly with the operator or when you book, as they can vary from route to route and season to season.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base price of the passenger ticket and the accommodation, excluding the vehicle and any extras. You must prove residency.
How much does it cost to travel on the Golden Bridge?
A seat on Barcelona–Mahón can start from €40–60 per person in mid season. A double inside cabin is around €90–140. Prices rise in July and August. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
For the Balearic routes: at least 2 hours beforehand with a car, or 1 hour as a foot passenger. For the Almería–Nador route (non-EU): at least 4 hours beforehand, and a valid passport is compulsory.
Is the Golden Bridge accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has adapted cabins with wider doors and suitable fittings. The onboard crew are on hand to help at any time. We recommend flagging any special requirements when you book.
What documents do I need to travel to Nador?
For the Almería–Nador route (Morocco) a valid passport is essential. Spanish ID cards (DNI) and driving licences are not accepted. Vehicles running on LPG or methane must be declared at boarding.
What is the history of the Golden Bridge?
Built in 1990 in Japan (the Kanda Zōzensho yard in Kure) as Kinkai Yusen's ferry "Sabrina". In 2000 she was renamed "New Golden Bridge II" and sailed between Incheon (South Korea) and Weihai (China). In 2018 she was bought by Galaxy Seaways and refitted in Greece for the Mediterranean market. She has sailed on charter to GNV since the beginning of 2022.
Does the Golden Bridge work the same routes all year round?
Not always. The Golden Bridge covers mainly the Balearic routes (Barcelona–Mahón and Ibiza) for most of the year, and joins the Almería–Nador route over the summer for the OPE. Her exact deployment can change according to GNV's operational needs. Always confirm the ship assigned to your date in the search engine.
