Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) is pleased to announce that Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract valued between A$265 million and A$275 million by Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden for the design and construction of a groundbreaking 130-meter, hydrogen-ready vehicle passenger ferry.
As part of Gotlandsbolaget’s ‘Horizon X’ initiative, this high-speed ROPAX catamaran will be the largest vessel ever built by Austal. It will feature an innovative, highly efficient combined-cycle propulsion system that integrates both gas and steam turbines—a pioneering achievement in the high-speed maritime sector worldwide.
A Sustainable and Technologically Advanced Vessel
Designed to transport up to 1,500 passengers, along with cargo and 400 vehicles, the ‘Horizon X’ catamaran will be constructed at the Austal Philippines shipyard. The vessel will be built using “green aluminum,” produced with energy-efficient processes that reduce carbon emissions. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026 and is expected to be completed by mid-2028.
Announcing the contract, Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg highlighted the vessel’s industry-defining technology: “Horizon X is an incredibly exciting project that will redefine commercial ferry capabilities. With a multi-fuel, hydrogen-capable combined-cycle powerplant and an efficient hull design, this vessel leads the transition toward decarbonization in the ferry industry. We are proud to partner with Gotlandsbolaget to bring this cutting-edge ferry to life.”
Gregg further emphasized Austal’s commitment to advancing sustainable maritime solutions while ensuring an exceptional passenger experience.
A Key Milestone in Climate-Neutral Operations
Gotlandsbolaget CEO Håkan Johansson also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “Thanks to the outstanding partnership between Gotland Tech Development and Austal, we are now advancing our fleet with a high-speed, multi-fuel catamaran that is hydrogen-ready. Horizon X is designed not only for speed and efficiency but also for sustainability, featuring state-of-the-art green technology and an advanced propulsion system.”
He underscored the vessel’s importance in achieving climate-neutral operations by leveraging lightweight green aluminum and an optimized hydrodynamic design to minimize fuel consumption and emissions.
“Serving the island of Gotland and the Swedish mainland in an environmentally responsible way is central to our mission. Horizon X represents a major step forward in that journey.”
Cutting-edge propulsion and Global Collaboration
Austal and Gotlandsbolaget first announced plans for this multi-fuel high-speed ferry in April 2023, aiming to integrate flexible fuel technology, including hydrogen. Since then, Austal and Gotland Tech Development have worked closely with leading technology providers to refine the vessel’s propulsion system, which uniquely repurposes engine exhaust to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.
In October 2024, the project received Approval in Principle (AIP) from the global independent Nautical Classification Society, DNV. The vessel design was confirmed to comply with international regulations for gas-fueled ship installations and the International Code of Safety of Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels.
