Austal has been awarded a contract worth between $265-275 million to build a 130 metre ferry for Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden.
The vessel will be the largest ever built by Austal, capable of transporting up to 1,500 passengers, cargo and 400 vehicles. It will be constructed at Austal's Philippines shipyard beginning in 2026.
"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," said Austal CEO Paddy Gregg.
The ferry is part of Gotlandsbolaget's Horizon X program and will be able to use a range of fuels including hydrogen.
“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 added.
“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," said Gotlandsbolaget CEO Håkan Johansson.