Horizon X
Part of Gotlandsbolaget’s ‘Horizon X’ program, the 130 metre high-speed ROPAX catamaran will be the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal, and feature a unique, highly efficient combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines – a first for high-speed craft, worldwide.
With a capacity to transport up to 1,500 passengers, cargo and 400 vehicles, the ‘Horizon X’ multi-fuel catamaran will be designed by Austal with construction at the Austal Philippines shipyard commencing the first half of CY2026; utilising “green aluminium”, produced using energy efficient processes and technologies that use less carbon, resulting in lower emissions. Construction is scheduled to complete in mid-2028.
Austal and Gotlandsbolaget first announced plans for the development of the 130-metre multi-fuel high speed vehicle passenger ferry design, with the flexibility to be able to operate on a variety of fuel types including hydrogen, in April 2023. Since then, Austal and Gotland Tech Development, part of Gotlandsbolaget, have engaged with technology providers from around the world to select preferred main equipment, and to define system arrangements. This has included the development of the unique propulsion system arrangement that re-purposes engine exhaust to contribute to vessel propulsion and reduce emissions.
Gotland Horizon X - a hydrogen-ready, flexible fuel ROPAX catamaran for climate-neutral operations
In October 2024, the project gained approval in principle from the leading, global independent Nautical Classification Society, DNV, with the vessel design being confirmed as complying in principle with rules relating to gas-fuelled ship installations (hydrogen) and the International Code of Safety of Ships Using Gases or Other Low Flashpoint Fuels.
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