![\"World\u2019s](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Gotland-Horizon-X-300x157.png?resize=300%2C157&ssl=1\")
<\/div>\n![\"Gotland](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Gotland-Horizon-X.png?resize=1200%2C628&ssl=1\")
Austal Australia has won a contract valued between A$265 and A$275<\/span> million to design and build a 130-meter high-speed passenger vehicle ferry for Sweden\u2019s Gotlandsbolaget.<\/p>\n The vessel, which is part of the Gotlandsbolaget\u2019s \u201cHorizon X\u201d initiative, will be the largest ever constructed by Austal and feature a cutting-edge combined cycle propulsion system, capable of using hydrogen as fuel.<\/p>\n The new high-speed ROPAX catamaran will use a unique propulsion system that integrates gas and steam turbines, being the first in the world for high-speed vessels.<\/p>\n This technology is expected to enhance fuel efficiency and support decarbonisation efforts in the maritime industry. The vessel will be designed to operate on multiple fuel types, including hydrogen.<\/p>\n It will be built using \u201cgreen aluminium,\u201d a material produced through low-carbon, energy-efficient processes, and can accommodate up to 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles.<\/p>\n The construction work will begin in the first half of 2026 at Austal\u2019s Philippine shipyard and is expected to be completed by mid-2028.<\/p>\n The CEO of the company Paddy Gregg talked about the project\u2019s importance in advancing sustainable ferry transportation.<\/p>\n He further stated that the vessel\u2019s multi-fuel capabilities and advanced hydrodynamic design will help reduce emissions while ensuring high-speed performance.<\/p>\n Gotlandsbolaget which operates the ferries between the island of Gotland and mainland Sweden, has been working with Gotland Tech Development and Austal to bring this innovative design to life.<\/p>\n \u201cServing 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,\u201d said the CEO of Gotlandsbolaget Hakan Johansson.<\/p>\n He added that the vessel supports the company\u2019s long-term strategy to achieve climate-neutral operations by integrating lightweight materials and fuel-efficient technologies.<\/p>\n The development of the vessel design began in April 2023, with Austal and Gotland Tech Development connecting with global technology providers to finalise key equipment and system configurations.<\/p>\n A notable innovation in the vessel\u2019s propulsion system is its ability to repurpose engine exhaust to support propulsion. In 2024, the project received approval in principle from DNV, a leading maritime classification society.<\/p>\n The design was confirmed to comply with international safety standards for gas-fueled ship installations and the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low Flashpoint Fuels.<\/p>\n![\"GOTLAND](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/GOTLAND-Horizon-X-.png?resize=1200%2C628&ssl=1\")