World’s First Hydrogen-Ready High-Speed Ferry To Feature Gas-Steam Turbines

Gotland Horizon X — Image Credits: Austal/X

Austal Australia has won a contract valued between A$265 and A$275 million to design and build a 130-meter high-speed passenger vehicle ferry for Sweden’s Gotlandsbolaget.

The vessel, which is part of the Gotlandsbolaget’s “Horizon X” initiative, will be the largest ever constructed by Austal and feature a cutting-edge combined cycle propulsion system, capable of using hydrogen as fuel.

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.

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.

It will be built using “green aluminium,” a material produced through low-carbon, energy-efficient processes, and can accommodate up to 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles.

The construction work will begin in the first half of 2026 at Austal’s Philippine shipyard and is expected to be completed by mid-2028.

The CEO of the company Paddy Gregg talked about the project’s importance in advancing sustainable ferry transportation.

He further stated that the vessel’s multi-fuel capabilities and advanced hydrodynamic design will help reduce emissions while ensuring high-speed performance.

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.

“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 the CEO of Gotlandsbolaget Hakan Johansson.

He added that the vessel supports the company’s long-term strategy to achieve climate-neutral operations by integrating lightweight materials and fuel-efficient technologies.

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.

A notable innovation in the vessel’s 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.

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.

Reference: Austal

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