Construction of the 130-Meter Hydrogen-Powered Catamaran Ferry Horizon X Begins in the Philippines
Australian shipbuilding company Austal Limited will design and construct a hybrid passenger catamaran ferry named “Horizon X” for the Swedish company Gotlandsbolaget, as announced by the client’s press service.
The 130-meter-long catamaran will be built at Austal Philippines’ shipyard and will become the largest vessel in the company’s history. Construction of the “Horizon X” is set to begin in the first half of 2026 and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2028. The ferry will operate on routes to Gotland Island.
Source: Austal Limited
The cost of designing and building the vessel ranges from $165 million to $170 million.
“Horizon X is an incredibly exciting project that will transform the capabilities of commercial ferries through the use of a hydrogen power system and a best-in-class hull design,” said Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal Limited.
The ferry will be equipped with a combined multi-fuel power system that includes a turbine capable of using hydrogen as fuel. This technology is reported to be the first of its kind in the world for high-speed vessels. The exhaust from the power system will be reused to drive the installation, ultimately reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
“Horizon X” will have the capacity to carry up to 1 500 passengers and 400 vehicles.
Austal and Gotlandsbolaget first announced plans to develop the 130-meter multi-fuel passenger ferry capable of operating on various types of fuel, including hydrogen, in April 2023.
In October 2024, the project received preliminary approval from the classification society DNV, confirming that the vessel’s design complies with regulations for gas-fueled installations (hydrogen) and the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-Flashpoint Fuels.
Austal Limited is an Australian shipbuilding company specializing in the design and construction of aluminum vessels and ships. The company’s main products include passenger and cargo ferries, luxury yachts, and military vessels. Austal’s shipyards are located in four countries: Australia, the Philippines, the USA, and Vietnam.
