All around the world, in response to the Corona crisis, there are model examples of how companies are committed to the fight against the virus: one of them is the Italian ferry company GNV. In less than a week, the Genoa-based company converted its passenger ship M/n Splendid into a floating hospital and handed it over to the Liguria region for the symbolic value of one euro. The M/n Splendid, which is anchored in Genoa, will initially be able to offer 25 beds in single cabins; the number of available beds is to be gradually increased to 400. On Monday, 23 March, the first eight patients went on board.
GNV Splendid Umbau Krankenhausschiff
The project was coordinated together with the Italian ship classification society RINA, the local health authority ASL and the Department of Civil Protection. Covid-19 patients who have been discharged from hospital but still need help, as well as people who have to be in quarantine, are to spend some time on the M/n Splendid in controlled structures before they can return home.
To ensure maximum hygiene and comfort, GNV implemented a number of redesign measures in the cabins: The air system has been upgraded to ensure independent internal and external ventilation in each cabin. The carpets have been replaced by rubber flooring, as this is more suitable for daily cleaning. In addition, all cabins have a private bathroom and a TV and Internet connection.
GNV Splendid Umbaumassnahmen an Bord
The Italian ship classification society RINA was central to the implementation, checking that the project complied with the applicable regulations and finding the right balance between safety protection, maritime regulations and the medical requirements for a hospital as set by the health authorities. Furthermore, the ASSARMATORI association and a number of national and international companies contributed to the realisation of the project: Le Navi Shipping Agency, Alpha Trading, Artigo Rubber Flooring, Auscomar, Burger King, Covim, Emis (Webi-Ac), Giunti Editore, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Idealservice, Ifm Infomaster, Italbrokers, Mantero Sistemi, Provvediteria Marittima Ligure Angelo Novelli, San Giorgio Del Porto and Ansaldo Naval Technical Study.
