Swedish shipping company Gotlandsbolaget has awarded a contract, worth between A$265m ($166.5m) and A$275m, to Austal Australasia for the design and construction of a 130m hydrogen-ready high-speed roll-on/roll-off passenger vehicle (RoPax) catamaran ferry.

The vessel, part of the Gotlandsbolaget’s 'Horizon X' series, is expected to be the largest ever constructed by Austal.

It is set to feature a unique combined cycle propulsion system incorporating both gas and steam turbines, a “first” for high-speed craft globally.

The high-speed RoPax catamaran is designed to carry up to 1,500 passengers, cargo, and 400 vehicles.

It will further shorten travel times between the island of Gotland and the Swedish mainland, with a top speed of 35 knots and a crossing time of under three hours.

The catamaran, the second in the Horizon class, is expected to be deployed on the Gotland route during peak season to meet high demand.

The multi-fuel catamaran is planned to be constructed at Austal’s shipyard in the Philippines using “green aluminium” manufactured using “energy efficient” processes and technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

Construction is set to commence in the first half of 2026, with completion expected by mid-2028.

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said: “Horizon X is an incredibly exciting project that is going to redefine commercial ferry capabilities, with a multi-fuel and hydrogen-capable combined cycle powerplant and a class-leading, efficient hull design.

“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.”

Austal and Gotlandsbolaget initially announced the 130m vessel concept in April 2023.

Since then, Austal and Gotland Tech Development have collaborated with global technology providers to refine the vessel’s propulsion system, which repurposes engine exhaust to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.

In October 2024, the project received approval in principle from the international classification society DNV, confirming compliance with gas-fuelled ship installation regulations and the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low Flashpoint Fuels.

In 2023, Danish ferry services provider Molslinjen received a high-speed vehicle-passenger ferry from Austal Philippines.