Austal Wins Contract for Hydrogen-Ready High-Speed Ferry

aluminium' in its construction for reduced emissions. The construction of 'Horizon X' is set to begin in the first half of 2026 at Austal's Philippines shipyard, with completion scheduled by mid-2028. The vessel’s design aims to significantly advance ferry capabilities by including a multi-fuel and hydrogen-capable powerplant and an efficient hull design. Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal, highlighted the project as a pioneering step in commercial ferry decarbonization. Boding well for future sustainability, Gotlandsbolaget's CEO, Håkan Johansson, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Austal. He emphasized the Horizon X project's role in supporting climate-neutral operations and its incorporation of green technology, aligned with the company's environmental objectives. The vessel will serve as a sustainable maritime link between Gotland and the Swedish mainland. Initial plans for the multi-fuel, high-speed ferry were announced by Austal and Gotlandsbolaget in April 2023, and the project has since garnered approval in principle from the leading classification society DNV. This ensures compliance with international safety standards for vessels using gas-powered and alternative fuel systems. The announcement aligns with Austal Limited's strategic commitments to innovative and sustainable maritime solutions, further solidifying its leadership in the global shipbuilding industry.