Aboard the GNV Antares in Durrës, the ferry company GNV—part of the MSC Group—celebrated ten years of service on the Italy (Bari)–Albania (Durrës) route, launched in August 2015. Around 100 guests, including customers, business partners, and institutional representatives, were welcomed by GNV’s Chief Commercial Officer, Matteo Della Valle, alongside a GNV management delegation and the ship’s Captain, Vito Malato.
Since 2015, GNV has transported over 1,250,000 passengers between Italy and Albania, establishing itself as a key maritime operator on this route. In 2024, the company reported a notable increase in traffic, with a projected growth of 6% for 2025. The upward trend is reflected in results from April to June 2024, which showed a 14% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The company expects this growth to continue into the summer of 2025.
The Italian Ambassador to Tirana, H.E. Marco Alberti, remarked:
“The Adriatic Sea has always united Italy and Albania. For centuries, ships have crossed this sea carrying people and goods. For the past 10 years, GNV has crossed this sea, connecting its shores and enabling ever-closer ties between Italy and Albania. We are a people of seafarers. We are a people who have always made the sea our ‘home.’ Congratulations to GNV on its 10th anniversary, and thank you for the service it provides.”
Matteo Della Valle, Chief Commercial Officer of GNV, said:
“The Bari–Durrës line is a key route for us, complementing our existing network with a strategic presence in the Adriatic. It holds not only geographic significance but also strong symbolic value as a bridge between two shores. Ten years ago, we entered this market with confidence and vision, and today we celebrate a meaningful milestone for the entire GNV team. We continue to see steady growth in this trade, thanks in part to a solid and extensive commercial network. We work daily with around 100 Albanian travel agencies to deliver reliable, comfortable solutions aligned with passenger needs. The tourism sector is also booming, with a constant flow of international visitors—a favorable context that motivates us to invest and keep improving our service quality.”
Currently operating the Bari–Durrës route daily is the GNV Antares, a vessel offering both capacity and comfort to ensure a pleasant and efficient travel experience.
Federico Berto, GNV’s Albania Trade Manager, added:
“Our presence here today highlights the importance we attach to this route. Bari–Durrës is a vital connection for traffic between Italy and Albania. Thanks to the GNV Antares, we’re able to provide a regular and reliable service. The ship’s capacity and daily frequency allow us to efficiently handle large volumes of cars and cargo, ensuring operational continuity and stability.”
GNV Antares can accommodate approximately 1,700 passengers and features 370 cabins, including pet-friendly options. Onboard amenities include a pizzeria, restaurant, self-service area, snack bar, onboard shop, and a dedicated kids’ area. The garage offers 1,800 linear meters of space for vehicles, catering to the needs of families and travelers with personal transport.
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