In response to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Italian Government set up an extraordinary quarantine scheme for migrants who arrive 'irregularly', consisting of a mandatory quarantine period onboard of cruise ships anchored off the coast of Italy.

Since mid-April 2020, a number of vessels belonging to private companies have been selected through a direct call for tenders for this purpose.

Italian CSOs, including ASGI (Associazione per gli Studi Giuridici sull'Immigrazione), named cruise operator Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) as the main provider for the ships, and have been vocal about this scheme being 'discriminatory' towards the rights of migrants, who are deprived of the freedom of movement, and are prevented from disembarking and seeking refuge. Moreover, ASGI pointed to the (mental) health and safety risks faced by migrants onboard, raising concerns that these ships are not fit for purpose as cabins are small and poorly ventilated, and it takes time to return to the port in case of emergency.

In May 2021, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited GNV to respond to these allegations. GNV did not respond.