Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract valued at around A$270m million by Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden, for the design and construction of a 130m combined cycle, ‘hydrogen-ready’ vehicle passenger ferry.
Part of Gotlandsbolaget’s ‘Horizon X’ program, the high-speed ro-pax catamaran will be the largest vessel constructed by Austal, and will feature a high-efficiency combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines – considered a first for high-speed craft, worldwide.
With capacity to transport up to 1,500 passengers, cargo and 400 vehicles, the ‘Horizon X’ multi-fuel catamaran will be designed by Austal with construction at the Austal Philippines shipyard commencing the first half of 2026; using ‘green aluminium’, produced using energy efficient processes and technologies that use less carbon, resulting in lower emissions. Construction is scheduled to complete in mid-2028.
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said: “Horizon X is an incredibly exciting project that is going to re-define commercial ferry capabilities, with a multi-fuel and hydrogen-capable combined cycle powerplant and a class-leading, efficient hull design. The flexible fuel technology demonstrated in Horizon X is leading the transition to decarbonisation of commercial ferries, and we’re proud to be at the forefront, partnering with Gotlandsbolaget, to deliver this industry-leading new ferry.
Gregg noted that Austal is committed to delivering a high-speed catamaran that represents a significant step towards climate-neutral emission targets while providing an exceptional passenger experience.
Gotlandsbolaget CEO Håkan Johansson added: “Thanks to the great collaboration between Gotland Tech Development and Austal, we can now move forward in supplementing our existing fleet of larger passenger and cargo vessels with a high-speed, multi fuel-catamaran, which is also hydrogen-ready. Horizon X is not only designed for speed and efficiency but also for sustainability, as it incorporates cutting-edge green technology, including a hydrogen-ready, highly efficient gas turbine propulsion system. This vessel is a key step in our strategy to achieve climate-neutral operations, utilising lightweight green aluminium and advanced hydrodynamic design to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. Serving the island of Gotland and the (Swedish) mainland in a climate and environmentally responsible way is at the heart of our mission, and Horizon X represents a significant milestone in that journey.”
Austal and Gotlandsbolaget first announced plans for the development of the 130m multi-fuel high speed vehicle passenger ferry design, with the flexibility to be able to operate on a variety of fuel types including hydrogen, in April 2023.
Since then, Austal and Gotland Tech Development, a part of Gotlandsbolaget, have engaged with global technology providers to select preferred main equipment, and to define system arrangements. This has included the development of the propulsion system arrangement that repurposes engine exhaust to contribute to vessel propulsion and reduce emissions.
In October 2024, the project gained approval in principle from the DNV, with the vessel design being confirmed as complying in principle with rules relating to gas-fuelled ship installations (hydrogen) and the International Code of Safety of Ships Using Gases or Other Low Flashpoint Fuels.
Image: Hydrogen-fuelled ro-pax ferry (source: Austal Australasia)
