Geneva, Switzerland, and Genoa, Italy, March 25, 2020 –Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), part of the MSC Group, has converted the Splendid ferry into a floating hospital equipped to assist COVID-19 patients and convalescents.
GNV began working on the project with the classification society RINA in early March, in close coordination with the Ligurian Health and Civil Protection System of Italy. Together they defined a suitable solution that could be implemented in a very short period to increase Liguria's hospital capacity and, when necessary, serve other areas.
The project boasts a high level of flexibility and scalability, allowing for rapid adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the Liguria Region as the COVID-19 emergency continues to unfold. Located in Ponte Colombo at the Genoa Ferry Terminal, the floating hospital offers 25 beds in individual cabins, with the possibility of adding cabins to increase capacity to 400 beds. The floating hospital also features a helipad and dedicated areas for healthcare staff and crew, designed to ensure appropriate standards of comfort and flexibility.
RINA's contribution has been fundamental to the project. Thanks to its expertise in maritime certifications and inspections, the company provided its services free of charge. RINA verified that the new floating hospital complies with current regulations, striking the right balance between safety protection, naval regulations, the medical needs of a hospital as indicated by the Local Health Authority (ASL), the regional healthcare authority, and the urgent need to find a way to assist the authorities and the National Health Service in combating COVID-19.
This initiative has witnessed the immediate action of numerous partners, who have made available free products and services to equip the ship with all the necessary supplies, including HP-Aruba, Alpha Trading, Artigo Rubber Flooring, San Giorgio del Porto, Auscomar, ItalBrokers, Le Navi Maritime Agency, Burger King, Covim, Emis, Giunti Editore, IdealService, Infomaster, Mantero Sistemi, Provveditoria Marittima Ligure Angelo Novelli and Ansaldo Naval Technical Studio.
