Austal Australasia has secured a contract worth approximately A$270 million to design and construct a groundbreaking 130-metre, hydrogen-ready high-speed RoPax catamaran for Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden. Part of the ‘Horizon X’ programme, this will be the largest vessel ever built by Austal and the first high-speed craft to feature a combined cycle propulsion system integrating gas and steam turbines.
Designed for sustainability and efficiency, the Horizon X catamaran will carry up to 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles while being capable of operating on multiple fuel types, including hydrogen. The vessel will be constructed at Austal’s Philippine shipyard using lightweight green aluminium, further reducing emissions. Delivery is scheduled for mid-2028.
This innovative project represents a major step towards climate-neutral ferry operations, setting new standards for speed, fuel efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
