ferry Tenacia GNV
ferry Tenacia
âš“ The Tenacia is a high-capacity ro-pax ferry run by GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) on the routes between the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. At 199 metres long and with room for close to 1,000 passengers, she is one of the largest ro-pax vessels working the Spanish Mediterranean. She links Barcelona with Palma de Mallorca in around seven and a half hours, and Valencia with Palma in roughly seven, offering overnight crossings with a wide choice of cabins at a competitive price.
The Tenacia is owned by Grimaldi Investments (the Grimaldi family's investment arm) and has been operating on a bareboat charter to GNV since January 2022, for a five-year term with an option to buy. Her connection with the Balearics goes back a long way: she worked Trasmediterránea's routes between 2011 and 2020, before joining the GNV fleet for good in October 2020.
In July 2024 the Tenacia suffered an engine-room fire while sailing between Valencia and Palma, and was towed into port with no injuries among the more than 400 people on board. After being repaired and upgraded at the La Nuova Meccanica Navale shipyard in Naples, she returned to service in the summer of 2025, rejoining GNV's Balearic routes.
History and background of the ship
The Tenacia (IMO 9458535) is the identical twin of the Forza, built in 2010 at the Nuovi Cantieri Apuania yard in Marina di Carrara (hull number 1245) to an original order from Grimaldi Holding. Between 2010 and 2019 she sailed on charter for a number of Mediterranean operators, including a long stint on inter-island services in New Zealand and freight routes in Italy.
In 2020 GNV took her on to shore up its highly efficient Ro-Pax logistics links in Spain. Since then she has been one of the most recognisable ships on the Balearic sea bridge, working the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca service daily and year-round and rotating onto Valencia–Palma, working in tandem with her sister the Forza to absorb the huge demand for heavy freight and holiday traffic to the Balearics.
The Tenacia is the third unit of the Coraggio class, a series of eight sister ro-pax vessels built by Nuovi Cantieri Apuania in Marina di Carrara (Italy). Her keel was laid on 3 June 2007, she was launched on 1 March 2008 and delivered to Grimaldi Holding on 4 April 2008. Her first service was on the Genoa–Barcelona route for GNV on 5 April 2008.
Between April and June 2010 her superstructure was extended at the yard that built her, adding new cabins aft to increase her passenger capacity. In November 2011 she went on long-term charter to Trasmediterránea, working the Balearic links from Barcelona and Valencia. She has been sailing for GNV since October 2020.
The name Tenacia is Italian for tenacity: firmness, doggedness and persistence in seeing a job through. It is a name the ship has earned over her long career in the western Mediterranean.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Ro-pax ferry (Passenger/Ro-Ro Cargo) |
| Length overall | 199.14 m |
| Beam | 26.60 m |
| Draught | 6.40 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 24,950 GT |
| Deadweight (DWT) | 8,500 t |
| Cruising speed | ~23–24 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,000 people |
| Cabin capacity | ~448 berths (112 cabins) |
| Seating capacity (Pullman) | ~268 seats |
| Ro-ro freight capacity | 2,623 lane metres |
| Propulsion | 2 × Wärtsilä 12V46 diesel engines · 24,000 kW total · 2 shafts |
| Emissions control system | Latest-generation scrubbers |
| Class | Coraggio class (series of 8 sister ships) |
| Shipyard | Nuovi Cantieri Apuania · Marina di Carrara (Italy) |
| Year built | 2008 |
| IMO number | 9350707 |
| MMSI | 247230200 |
| Flag | Italy |
| Owner | Grimaldi Investments |
| Current operator | GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) · MSC Group |
| Superstructure extension | 2010 (increased passenger capacity) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palma de Mallorca | ~7 h 30 min | ~21:30 |
| Palma de Mallorca → Barcelona | ~7 h 30 min | ~11:30 |
| Valencia → Palma de Mallorca | ~7 h | ~22:30 |
| Palma de Mallorca → Valencia | ~7 h | ~11:30 |
* Timetables are indicative and subject to season, availability and ship allocation. The Tenacia may work different routes within GNV's Balearic network. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Palma de Mallorca: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Tenacia sails from the Port of Palma de Mallorca, right in the centre of the Balearic capital and a few minutes' walk from the old town. Unlike the Port of Alcúdia — which serves the fast ferries on the north of the island — the Port of Palma puts you straight into the capital, which makes it the easiest choice if you are staying in Palma or in the south or west of Mallorca.
If you are travelling by car, we recommend arriving at the port at least 90 minutes before departure. The Tenacia's crossings are mostly overnight, so most passengers use the time to sleep in a cabin. In high season (July–August) it is worth booking early, particularly if you need a cabin or are taking a vehicle.
Fares, discounts and how to book
GNV's fares on the Balearic routes are usually cheaper than the competition's. A Pullman seat starts at around €14–20 per person in low season, while inside cabins begin at roughly €30–50 per person. Prices rise considerably in July and August, so booking ahead is worthwhile.
Discounts available with GNV:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base passenger and accommodation fare. Applies on routes between the mainland and the Balearics. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Large family: 20% off the passenger fare, accommodation and taxes. Can be combined with the resident discount (up to 85% in total).
- Children (4–12 years): 50% off the passenger fare. Infants aged 0 to 3 travel free without their own place.
- Early booking: GNV regularly runs Early Booking fares with discounts of up to 30% for bookings made well in advance.
- GNV loyalty scheme: collect points on every trip and redeem them against future bookings.
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 |
| Wanting a proper bed for the crossing | Inside cabin (2 or 4 berths) |
| As a couple, or on a romantic trip | Outside cabin with a sea-facing window |
| As a family with children | Four-berth inside cabin |
| Looking for maximum comfort and privacy | Deluxe cabin with a sea view |
| With a pet | Pet-friendly cabin |
ferry Tenacia · Accommodations
Pullman seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to every area of the vessel. Ideal for travellers who put price first on an overnight crossing.
✓ Reclining seat
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Onboard Wi-Fi (charged)
✓ Use of the ship's showers
Inside cabin · 2 or 4 berths
A private cabin with no outside window, ideal for sleeping through the overnight crossing. Available with 2 or 4 berths. The best value for money if you want a comfortable night's sleep.
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Towels and hairdryer
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Up to 4 passengers per cabin
Outside cabin · Sea views
The same as the inside cabin, but with a window on to the sea so you can enjoy the Mediterranean. Particularly good for daytime crossings, or if you would rather wake up to a view of the arrival port.
✓ Window with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Towels and hairdryer
✓ Air conditioning
Deluxe cabin · Premium
The most comfortable accommodation on the Tenacia. Completely refurbished, with thicker mattresses, premium bed linen and a panoramic sea-facing window. It includes a Welcome Kit and Late Check-Out so you can keep the cabin until the ship berths.
✓ Panoramic sea-facing window
✓ Premium mattress and superior bed linen
✓ Welcome Kit on arrival in your cabin
✓ Late Check-Out until the ship berths
Pet-friendly cabin · With your pet
A cabin set up so that you can travel with your pet. The most comfortable way to avoid being separated from your animal during the crossing. Numbers are limited, so booking ahead is essential.
✓ Pets allowed in the cabin
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Access to the pet walking area on deck
✓ Booking required — limited availability
ferry Tenacia · On-board services
Restaurant, café and onboard shop
The Tenacia has several places to eat and drink that make the crossing more comfortable. The self-service restaurant offers a wide choice of hot and cold dishes, a set menu and special options. The bar-café serves drinks, snacks and light bites throughout the crossing. The onboard shop stocks a broad range of toiletries, snacks, newspapers, books, souvenirs and travel goods.
Sun deck and open deck
The Tenacia has a sun terrace on the open deck where you can enjoy the Mediterranean breeze during the crossing. It is the perfect spot to relax in the fresh air, especially on daytime crossings or at sunset.
Travelling with a dog on board — Pets Welcome On Board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Tenacia has a lift serving the different decks, which makes moving around easier for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend that you tell GNV what you need when you book, so that the adapted facilities can be confirmed and the right support arranged for boarding and disembarking.
Sustainability: scrubbers and lower emissions
The Tenacia was fitted with latest-generation scrubbers (exhaust gas cleaning systems) during her last dry-docking, allowing her to cut sulphur (SOx) and particulate emissions into the atmosphere significantly and to meet the requirements of the Mediterranean emission control areas (ECAs). The technology lets the ship keep running on heavy fuel oil while complying with current environmental rules.
As part of the MSC Group, GNV is working to reduce the environmental footprint of its fleet. The company takes an active part in the Motorways of the Sea programme, shifting road freight on to the water to cut emissions per tonne carried. Taking the ferry rather than driving from Barcelona or Valencia to Mallorca means a significant cut in COâ‚‚ emissions per passenger.
Tenacia vs Forza: GNV's two sister ships in the Balearics
The Tenacia and the Forza are the two near-identical Coraggio-class ships GNV runs on its Balearic network. Here is how they compare:
| Specification | Tenacia | Forza |
|---|---|---|
| Year built | 2008 | 2010 |
| Length overall | 199.14 m | 199.14 m |
| Beam | 26.60 m | 26.60 m |
| Propulsion | Wärtsilä 12V46 · 24,000 kW | Wärtsilä 12V46 · 24,000 kW |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,000 | ~1,000 |
| Ro-ro freight | 2,623 lane m | 2,623 lane m |
| Scrubbers | Yes | Yes |
| IMO | 9350707 | 9458523 |
| Shipyard | Nuovi Cantieri Apuania | Nuovi Cantieri Apuania |
| Current operator | GNV | GNV |
Frequently asked questions about the Tenacia
Which routes does the GNV ferry Tenacia operate?
She mainly works the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca and Valencia–Palma de Mallorca routes within GNV's Balearic network. The precise ship allocation can change with the season and the operator's planning.
How long is the crossing from Barcelona to Palma on the Tenacia?
About 7 hours 30 minutes. It is an overnight crossing: the ship leaves Barcelona at around 21:30 and reaches Palma first thing in the morning. Check the exact departure time here.
Does the Tenacia carry cars?
Yes. She has vehicle decks holding 2,623 lane metres: cars, motorbikes, vans and lorries. If you are travelling with a vehicle, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the Tenacia offer?
Four main types: the Pullman seat (the cheapest), the inside cabin (2 or 4 berths with a private bathroom), the outside cabin (with a sea-facing window), the Deluxe cabin (premium, with panoramic views and a superior mattress), and the pet-friendly cabin for travellers with animals.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Tenacia?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base passenger and accommodation fare on every GNV route between the mainland and the Balearics. The discount does not apply to the vehicle. Proof of residency is compulsory.
Are pets allowed on the Tenacia?
Yes. GNV accepts pets through its Pets Welcome On Board service. The most comfortable option is to book a pet-friendly cabin. Pets must be microchipped, have up-to-date vaccinations and carry valid paperwork. Booking is compulsory when you buy your ticket. Animals may not be left in a vehicle on the car deck.
Is there Wi-Fi on the Tenacia ferry?
Yes. The Tenacia has onboard Wi-Fi, although a charge may apply. Coverage can vary out at sea. Check the current terms with GNV when you book.
Is the Tenacia accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. The ship has a lift serving the different decks. We recommend telling GNV what you need when you book, so that support can be arranged for boarding and disembarking.
Why was the Tenacia out of service in 2024-2025?
On 8 July 2024 the Tenacia suffered an engine-room fire while sailing between Valencia and Palma de Mallorca. The more than 400 people on board were evacuated without injury. The ship was towed to Valencia and moved to a Naples shipyard for repair and modernisation. She returned to service in the summer of 2025.
How early should I arrive at the port?
With a vehicle: at least 90 minutes before departure. Foot passengers: 60 minutes is enough. GNV check-in opens 4 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before the ship sails. In July and August, allow extra time.
What is the difference between the Tenacia and the Forza?
They are near-identical sister ships of the Coraggio class. The Tenacia was built in 2008 and the Forza in 2010, at the same yard. They share length overall (199 m), propulsion (Wärtsilä, 24,000 kW), passenger capacity (~1,000) and freight capacity (2,623 lane metres). Both have been fitted with scrubbers and both sail for GNV on the Balearic routes.
How much does it cost to travel on the Tenacia?
GNV fares on the Balearic routes start at around €14–20 per person for a seat in low season. Cabins begin at roughly €30 per person. Balearic residents pay 75% less on the passenger fare. Prices rise in July and August. Compare real-time prices here.
Does the Tenacia have a restaurant on board?
Yes. She has a self-service restaurant with a varied menu, a bar-café serving snacks and drinks, and an onboard shop selling newspapers, souvenirs and travel goods. There is also a sun deck on the open deck from which to enjoy the Mediterranean during the crossing.
